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Rob Cross pays tribute to Phil Taylor after beating him at World Darts Championship

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Debutant Rob Cross hailed Phil Taylor after defeating the 16-time World Champion in the final

Debutant Rob Cross stunned 16-time world champion Phil Taylor in the World Championship final on Monday and then paid tribute to the retiring 57-year-old after his win.

Taylor had been aiming for a 17th world crown before retiring after the championships but Englishman Cross, 30 years his junior, beat him 7-2 at Alexandra Palace.

Cross hammers Taylor to win title
Cross hammers Taylor to win title

Rob Cross beats Phil Taylor 7-2 to win World Darts Championship

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Here's Cross at his brilliant best with this stunning 167 checkout during his win

Cross, a former electrician who only turned professional at the start of 2017, averaged 106.67, struck 11 maximums and finished with an impressive 60 per cent doubles success en route to collecting a cheque of £400,000.

Cross condemned Taylor to defeat in his final match and was keen to praise him for the impact he has had on darts during a career which saw him win over £7 million in prize money and more than 200 career titles.

Cross headlines Premier League
Cross headlines Premier League

Rob Cross one of four debutants in line-up for 2018 Premier League Darts

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Pembury-born thrower Cross also nailed this 153 finish en route to victory

"I feel great, but I got to say I won my first world title, but it's about him departing. It was my dream 15 years ago to play this guy and now I played him - absolutely phenomenal," said Cross.

"I was actually born in 1990, the coincidence that when he won his first ever world title I took my first breath of air. What he has done for the game, I hope he has a happy retirement and wish him all the best.

"I have to admit in the final today, it was a dream to play Phil and watching him with his dominance over the years, he has been excellent.

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"You won't see another sportsman like him. He's phenomenal."

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Here's the best of the action from the final of the World Darts Championship

The 2018 Premier League is the next major darting event on Sky Sports, running from February to May. Dublin's hugely popular 3Arena will open the 2018 season on Thursday, February 1 from 7pm on Sky Sports Action with the season concluding at the Play-Offs on May 17 at The O2 in London.

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