Gary Anderson rolled back the years with a statement victory over long-time rival Michael van Gerwen to reach the quarter-finals of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship on Tuesday, as the last eight was confirmed at Alexandra Palace.
The two-time World Champion inflicted Van Gerwen’s earliest World Championship exit in a decade, winning a high-quality contest to keep his bid for a third world title alive. Anderson claimed both of the opening sets in deciding legs before withstanding a fierce response from the Dutchman, who averaged over 116 in the third set. However, Anderson regained control, winning six of the next eight legs to seal a famous triumph.
“Tonight was one of these games where I never felt comfortable up there,” admitted Anderson, despite averaging 99 and landing 11 maximums.
“The last time Michael beat me on this stage was when I was going for my third world title, so it was nice to get the win today.
“If I get to the final, then I’ve got a chance. If I don’t get there, then I’ve had a good run, but I’m happy with what I’ve done.”
Anderson will now face debutant Justin Hood, who stunned Josh Rock with a straight-sets whitewash earlier in the day. Hood produced a sensational display of finishing, pinning each of his first 11 darts at double.
“My doubles were amazing there. Josh gave me some chances and I took them,” said Hood.
“My scoring was amazing in practice but my doubles were a little ropey, so I had an hour focusing on doubles and it paid off!”
Elsewhere, Luke Humphries and Gian van Veen set up a mouth-watering quarter-final showdown. Humphries impressed in a 4-1 win over Kevin Doets, while Van Veen defeated Charlie Manby to reach his fourth televised ranking quarter-final of the year.
“I felt like I played well there,” said Humphries.
“The next round against Gian is going to be a great game of darts. I love him to bits, he is such a good player and I’ve got a lot of respect for him.”
The quarter-finals resume on January 1, with Anderson, Humphries and reigning champion Luke Littler all still firmly in contention.
Source: PDC.TV
