Gary Anderson is embracing a renewed spell of success as he prepares to contest his eighth semi-final at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship, proving once more that class and experience still belong on the sport’s biggest stage.
The two-time World Champion booked his return to the last four with a composed 5-2 victory over debutant Justin Hood, averaging over 99 to set up a heavyweight clash against newly crowned Dutch number one Gian van Veen. It marks Anderson’s first World Championship semi-final appearance since the 2021/22 edition, following what he admits has been a demanding route.
“It has been a hard run, hasn’t it?” admitted Anderson. “I’ve seen some runs where I thought, ‘Oh, you’re lucky!’
“Adam Hunt, Connor Scutt, Jermaine Wattimena, Michael van Gerwen, and the way Justin has played, it’s not been easy.”
The Scot reserved special praise for his opponents, highlighting the depth of talent in the modern game.
“Young Justin, he’s been absolutely brilliant. I can’t say enough about him… He’s just a lovely bloke,” Anderson added, also recalling his tense encounter with Van Gerwen. “The other night, when I played Michael, I was panicking… It’s good to be back in the semis.”
Now 55, Anderson has provisionally climbed to world number six, capping a strong 2025 campaign that included a European Tour title and his 30th Players Championship crown. Despite averaging over a ton and firing in 45 maximums during the tournament, he remains grounded.
“Averages are good… but it doesn’t mean you’re going to win a game,” he said. “So, in theory, it doesn’t mean anything, does it?”
Standing in his way is Van Veen, fresh from a stunning demolition of Luke Humphries. Yet Anderson insists experience offers no guarantees.
“I don’t think it makes any difference now,” he confessed. “The talent of players now… I just play darts.”
Source: PDC.TV
