Taylor has the chance to end his career on a high by winning his 17th world title on New Year’s Day.

He announced a year ago that the World Championship would be his last event and a win over Jamie Lewis has booked a final match-up with Rob Cross.

But Twitter users are now speculating that Taylor could make a shock U-turn - regardless of whether he beats Cross.

One fan tweeted: “Waiting for Cross to average 95 in the final and lose 7-2 after that. This tournament been fixed for Taylor from the start and he won’t retire.”

Another posted: “Taylor doesnt win comes back next year - he doesnt want retire on a loss.”

A fellow darts nut agreed and said: “If Phil Taylor wins this championship he won't retire..he will win it because he will dictate the flow Of the game and slow Rob cross down.”

While another added: “It's all been set up for Taylor to win the darts. How depressing. Cant imagine he'll retire after winning it either.”

Another tweeted: “With Taylor up to 3rd in the rankings that mean they have to give him a premier league place and he won’t retire after all @checkout170 @chrisback4.”

Cross, 27, shocked Michael van Gerwen to win a thrilling semi-final 6-5 in a deciding leg shootout on Saturday.

Cross was a 125-1 outsider before the tournament began but now has a chance to win the World Championship in the very first time he’s entered.

TAYLOR v CROSS

PHIL TAYLOR

Age: 57

Born: Burslem.

Nickname: The Power.

Walk-on music: The Power by Snap!

Former job: Maker of ceramic toilet roll handles.

World ranking: 6.

Career prize earnings: £7.1m (not including World Championship).

World titles: 16.

Major career titles: 83

ROB CROSS

Age: 27

Born: Pembury.

Nickname: Voltage.

Walk-on music: Hot, Hot, Hot by Arrow.

Former job: Electrician.

World ranking: 20.

Career prize earnings: £211,250 (not including World Championship).

World titles: This is his debut.

Major career titles: 0