Cross relishing Taylor rematch: ‘It’s still a massive test for me’

Rob Cross has said he is relishing a rematch with Phil Taylor and admits he is still the man to beat whether playing competitively or not.

Cross will face the Power as part of an exhibition at Chelsea Football Club in a few weeks time in their first contest together since the World Final between the pair. Cross told Live Darts exclusively: “It’s weird really because Phil will always feel like the man to beat, whether he’s playing competitively or not. “Just his presence, the awe about him, when he steps on stage is something that 99 per cent of players will never ever have. “Trust me, he will want to beat me. Phil wants to win at everything. If we turn up at the venue together, he’ll want to beat through the revolving door first, he’s that sort of bloke. “It’s still a massive test for me. Suddenly I’m the one with all the pressure to prove myself as a World Champion up against the greatest of all-time. “That doesn’t worry me especially. If I can deal with it in the World Championship final at the Ally Pally, I’m sure I can cope at Chelsea. “But nonetheless, Phil is always the yardstick, he’s always the man you want to beat. There’s a special thing about getting a result against him because not many have over the years! “I’m definitely fired-up to get a result. It’s going to be a cracking night, a small exclusive crowd and I guarantee it’s going to be a massive occasion and match. “In saying that, I better win. Otherwise I’m sure Phil will give me earache for months with the banter. He’ll want to get his own back in a small way.”

Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC