Many darts followers will head to Ally Pally to regulate the gifted kids, however Gary Anderson is devoted to proving he is nonetheless a greater participant than them.
Two-time world champion Anderson has been in scorching kind lately after rediscovering his love for darts, reaching the Grand Slam semi-finals however shedding to Luke Littler in an all-time traditional.
The 53-year-old will now flip his consideration to the stage the place he has had such large success – Alexandra Palace – as he prepares to face both Jeffrey de Graaf or Rashad within the second spherical Sweeting.
Whereas the Flying Scotsman is a family identify amongst darts followers, current consideration has been targeted on the likes of Littler, Gian van Veen and Mike de Dekker, whose Stand up and trigger a stir.
Nonetheless, Anderson secretly believes that have all the time pays off within the largest tournaments. Plus, beating the up-and-coming common helps too!
“Yeah, issues are getting higher. However on the identical stage, what I am attempting to inform individuals is the previous guys are nonetheless enjoying nicely,” Anderson mentioned.
“My common continues to be most likely greater than all of them mixed. So, sure, they’ve a younger facet, which is a little bit of a downgrade for us boys as a result of we wish to be younger once more, however they’ve an incredible future. Proper in entrance of them.
“Darts goes to be actually good over the following 4, 5, six years.”
Whereas Anderson is joyful to see so many new gamers having a lot success, he nonetheless worries in regards to the sport being their solely supply of earnings.
In reality, as a result of unpredictability of darts, he’ll push them to create a “security internet” they will depend on.
“It is nice for younger individuals, they arrive straight out of college and make some huge cash, which is nice, completely incredible. But when one thing goes unsuitable, they’re going to by no means get the prospect to commerce,” he mentioned.
“What do they do if one thing occurs they usually cannot throw darts, they get dartitis and may’t play darts anymore? They left college, they have been enjoying darts for 4 or 5 years, and now they’re caught, there There is not a lot.
“I all the time say, make a commerce and have one thing behind you to fall on. It is a security internet.”
‘I didn’t do too badly’: Ando remembers world glory
Anderson is among the elite gamers to compete in consecutive worlds, becoming a member of him solely Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis.
Defeating all-time nice Taylor was the spotlight of his two wins, however he admits he wished a hat-trick when he emerged in 2017 and was disillusioned to lose to Michael van Gerwen within the ultimate.
“Effectively, you recognize, it is gained two championships, however I have been to the finals 5 instances,” Anderson mentioned.
“Of these two guys, it must be Phil. Phil, he is a legend and the variety of championships he is gained on that stage.
“The younger guys on the market now won’t ever get an opportunity to play towards Phil Taylor.
“So even when Phil beats me, I will not be fearful. I am enjoying Phil Taylor within the ultimate.”
“I feel while you win video games the stress goes away,” the Scot added.
“It doesn’t matter what occurs subsequent, your identify will all the time be on the trophy.
“After I gained the title for the second and third time, I did have a hat-trick.
“Some boys have gained it in a row. I do not assume they’ve accomplished it thrice in a row. However I obtained to the ultimate – so I have been to 5 finals and gained two, so I am doing OK there.”
anticipate? Completely not!
Some gamers have particular targets going into the World Championships, however for Anderson, “enjoying nicely” is the one objective and hopefully the outcomes will comply with.
“You wish to carry out nicely in each sport. After all,” he mentioned.
“However we’re over it. , the World Championship is on the finish of the yr, so we have simply completed the top of the Professional Tour, the European Championship, the Grand Slams, the Gamers Championship, heading into the World Championship, which ought to give the boys time to organize for Prepare for essential video games.
“Sooner or later I can play very well and the following day it is actually unhealthy.
“So I haven’t got any expectations proper now. I haven’t got any expectations. I simply wish to go on the market and play nicely.
“It is most likely the primary massive stage, particularly for newcomers. It is their first time up there and it is one of many largest phases any darts participant will play on. Effectively, it is the most important stage.
“Simply the size of the stage and the group behind it. So, the primary time, it was slightly bit off-putting and the environment was completely different.”
When does the World Darts Championship happen?
The event will happen at Alexandra Palace on Sunday 15 December, with three first spherical matches and one second spherical match on the opening night time.
There will likely be stay darts day by day for the following eight days, together with seven afternoon periods, with a normal three-day break from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day earlier than a 3rd spherical and double-header on December 27 .
The third and fourth rounds will likely be accomplished earlier than New Yr’s Eve, December 30, with the quarter-finals cut up into two periods on New Yr’s Day, adopted by the semi-finals on January 2 and the ultimate on Friday, January 3.
The complete schedule for this yr’s competitors might be discovered here.
Who will win the Paddy Energy World Darts Championship? Watch each match stay from December 15 to January 3, solely on Sky Sports activities’ devoted darts channel. Stream darts and more top sports with NOW.