* Fast uphill finish earns Sagan the title * Wins after playing invisible man most of the day * Australian Matthews comes up short (Adds quotes, detail) By Steve Keating RICHMOND, Virginia, Sept 27 (Reuters) - Slovakia's Peter Sagan emerged from the pack in the final climb up the cobbles and then powered his way to a spectacular victory at the road cycling world championships on Sunday. Long hailed as cycling's next big thing, Sagan hid in the bunch for most of the punishing 261.4km race, then lived up to his promise as he pulled away and held on for a three-second win over Australian Michael Matthews. As he crossed the finish line, Sagan lifted his hands in triumph, got off his bike and tossed it up the road. More...