ROOKIE Rob Cross ended the World Championship reign of Michael van Gerwen to continue his amazing underdog story.
Cross, 27, was a 125-1 tournament winner at the start of the year but at 12.10am this morning he knocked out the world No 1 6-5 in a pulsating semi-final shootout — after surviving SIX match darts.
The former electrician from Hastings is the first player to reach a PDC world final on his debut since Kirk Shepherd’s improbable run a decade ago.
And he admitted: “Words cannot describe it. Today I played well and the crowd helped me, they got on Michael’s back. That is why I won.
“I felt inexperienced. I never expected this rise.
“I am a normal working boy from a normal household. Anything is possible.”
Before this clash, the pair had met nine times this year on the PDC circuit, with Van Gerwen winning eight of them.
Cross will take on Phil Taylor in the final on New Year’s Day.
Taylor beat outsider Jamie Lewis 6-1 on the Ally Pally stage to ensure his last competitive match will be in the final of the William Hill PDC championship.
It would be incredible, arguably one of the most astonishing stories in British sport, if he ends up lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy for a record 17th time on New Years’ Day — and picks up a cheque for £400,000.
Yet Taylor never believed he would be in this position. He said: “It’s surreal, to be honest with you — it’s like I’m not even here. It’s like winning the lottery for me.
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“I never expected this. I thought when it came to the first round against Chris Dobey that it would be a battle.
“When I faced Gary Anderson in the quarter-finals, I thought I was done, because he is younger, fitter and stronger and a much better player. But he didn’t perform and I took advantage.
“I played on Jamie’s lack of experience and he missed crucial doubles.
“I was struggling in the opening sets and I know I was a lucky boy at times.
“The best thing for me is a day off now. I am shattered. He is a young kid and bouncing.
“I will get my rest in and get ready for the final.
“Energy is all I need now. It’s hard, it really is. I’m still playing OK, but not good enough really — but I can play better.”
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