Well, it was certainly not the fairytale ending many had envisaged for Phil 'The Power' Taylor.
Going for his 17th World title on the night he played his final game of professional darts, it was Rob Cross, a player 30 years Taylor's junior, who stole the show in the 'Ally Pally'.
Leading from the off, the nervelessness of a man playing in his World Championship was astonishing. He wasn't just beating Taylor, he was hammering him.
Rob Cross winning the world title may be the biggest thing that’s ever happened to darts. From the sofa to world champion in the space of a year. Hundreds, maybe thousands, will now try and emulate him.
— Jonathan Liew (@jonathanliew) January 1, 2018
In what had started as an understandably emotional night for Taylor, his final walk on had geared the crowd up for a night that many hoped would be an incredibly tight decider.
PHIL TAYLOR'S FINAL EVER WALK ON | Watch this iconic moment in sport - Phil Taylor walk on in the final of the World Darts Championship
????#WHdarts #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/6UUXbtSZaT
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2018
Yet, keen perhaps to start a chapter of darts history himself, Cross was in no mood for satisfying those who wanted to see Taylor depart on a high.
Wrapping up a 7-2 win in relatively quick time, one legend may well be departing just as another emerges. It has been quite a year for Cross.
A DARTING DREAM!
An electrician just one year ago 💡
First year as a professional ✅
World Champion 🏆
The Electrician has put the Power out. ⚡️
Congratulations Rob Cross! 👏#LoveTheDarts #WHDarts pic.twitter.com/jUOO0nBTYS— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2018
ROB CROSS IS THE 2017/2018 WILLIAM HILL WORLD DARTS CHAMPION
With far from an easy finish to the final leg of his final set, Cross - allowing for a little smile - absolutely nailed it.
??????????#WHdarts #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/0HVnWKrSyC
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2018
If this truly is to be the end for Taylor, it's quite likely that Cross could be the only darts play to hold a winning record against the 16-time World Champion - however marginal.
In a moment of such great pride for the 27-year old, he couldn't accept the trophy without letting Taylor have at least one more go of lifting it however.
The crowning of a new World Champion, the farewell of a legend of the sport...#WHdarts #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/O27uAWKxex
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2018
Needless to say, there was a lot of admiration for both players, looking at tonight and past glories respectively.
This career is unrepeatable. Darts means @PhilTaylor!
— Toni Kroos (@ToniKroos) January 1, 2018
Well done @PhilTaylor you helped completely change the game of darts - it's in great hands with young players like @RobCross180 that was a stunning performance 👏🏼 #Worldchamp 🎯
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) January 1, 2018
Absolute legend @PhilTaylor ….be well buddy …x
— Robbie Williams (@robbiewilliams) January 1, 2018
Rob Cross is a classy, classy guy. Seems almost embarrassed to have beaten Taylor. Handled victory, against his idol, with such grace. I’m a fan.
— Owen Bradley (@OwenBradley) January 1, 2018
