The Scot’s fifth appearance in the PDC world final sees him draw level with Van Gerwen and Dennis Priestley
Gary Anderson was in good spirits despite beating Gerwyn Price in the World Darts Championship final on Sunday, as he supported his opponent Michael van Gerwen to kick back strongly after releasing his No. 1 ranking in the world.
‘The Flying Scotsman’ was denied a third-world crown after surrendering 7-3 to an inspirational Price, who scored an average of 100.08, posted 13 top-ranked finals and turned three ton-plus finishes en route to title.
‘The Iceman’ lost his current moment, spewing 11 beams of matchmaking in an incredible passage of play, before regaining his poise to become the first Welshman to lift the prestigious Sid Waddell Cup .
“I couldn’t get up with that 20 treble at all. I think if I had a step ladder I would still have lost it,” Anderson said in his post – match press conference.
“I’m over the moon [to make the final]. I wanted to be a little closer, but unfortunately it wasn’t going to be.
“I was falling low, it was a mile doubles off. I had darts at double 16. I went: ‘Just nick this and it’s struggling here’. I was kind of giggling to myself.
“It ‘s not like that [Michael] Van Gerwen. Van Gerwen would be ashamed of that – brag. He’s a killer, but Gerwyn really wanted him there, so he ended up missing a bit in the end. “
After showing off his superb performances in wins over Dirk van Duijvenbode and Dave Chisnall, many were eager for Anderson to draw level with Van Gerwen on three PDC world titles, but the Scot did not set his sights. -ever, missing 49 darts at double.
Gary Anderson congratulates Gerwyn Price on first-ever world champion Welshman
However, there were plenty of positives to be had for the two – time world champion, who was seeded 13th at this year’s event – his lowest ranking since the 2014 edition.
By leaving early he could relinquish his top 16 status, but instead has regained a place in the top eight in the world, having made his fourth final in the world. -world reached in seven years – his fifth in all.
Anderson has struggled with well-documented injury problems over the past 18 months and by his own admission, he has struggled with inconsistencies, but is still in the World Cup and World Cup finals. achieved over the past six months; ominous warning for its competitors.
“I’m still pissed, aren’t you? In another 20 years, you’re going to be sick of me,” he said.
“I’m going to start over. I came here without expectation, I reached the final. Gerwyn had a walk, but this year I’m looking forward.
Anderson vs. Price – The Stats
| Anderson | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Winning: | 3 | 7 |
| The legs won: | 18 | 26 |
| Average: | 94.25 | 100.08 |
| 180s: | 10 | 13 |
| Upper limit: | 170 | 161 |
| Doubling%: | 27% | 46% |
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“It ‘s there, but it’ s just because of a lack of play. I haven’t done much over the last two years, so I turned cold.
Michael [van Gerwen] demolished, demolished Michael Smith, Peter Wright – he immediately opened the entire tournament.
“The boys are playing well now, so it’s going to be a few years for the darts. I’m just going to keep going. I haven’t done it yet. Keep playing and see what goes – if I can grind a penny, Pay attention. “
Anderson celebrated his 50th birthday just a day before he overtook Madars Razma in his opening, but insists he is not considering his imminent retirement.
“We can keep playing. We heard about Barney coming back. The youngsters are good, but I’ve said for years, the old boys can play,” Anderson continued.
The Scot has made the World Cup and World Cup finals in the last six months, despite not coming close to the best.
“You have Steve Beaton, I still think he’s fantastic. Mervyn King has been playing really special over the last few months. We’re going to keep going.”
Anderson returns to action in the Masters opening season at the end of January, and then on the agenda is the Premier League, which has been delayed due to higher Covid-19 restrictions.
The Scot has an excellent Premier League record – having won twice (in 2011 and 2015) and is aiming for the eighth consecutive replay place in 2021, which would see him leave Van Gerwen’s record.
“I enjoyed it last year. I thought I was just starting to get in again and then we hit a brick wall again,” Anderson admitted.
“I’ve said it before – The PDC and Barry [Hearn] have done the work, they have asked the questions and they have made us play.
“He’s having a hard time. He’s struggling and everyone says he’s ready. Listen, the boy has been at the top of the game for the five, six, seven, eight years he’s played. gone. “
Anderson on MVG …
“They could have just closed the doors and said: ‘That’s us until next year’ and that’s the way it should be.
“They’ve pushed, they’ve sorted it all out, so it’s great that they’ve got the darts up.”
It promises to be an exciting venture, with Price’s influence that could unveil a new morning in the garting world, as it is set to become the 10th No. 1 world in the history of PDC .
This will end Van Gerwen’s seven-year monopoly at the top of the world darts, although Anderson expects a visible response from the Dutchman.
“I think Michael is going to be a bit of a liar now. I’m expecting a text message shouting at me every name under the sun tonight,” Anderson asked.
Anderson has backed the Dutchman to kick back after relinquishing his worldview No. 1 after seven years at the top
“I think that’s probably what Michael needs. He’s having a hard time. He’s struggling and everyone says he’s ready.
“Listen, the boy has been at the top of the game for the last five, six, seven, eight years.
“It’s been a long time and he’s overcome the best. Now he’s got a hell of a lot of dart players coming through. He’s still winning tournaments.
“He was like Phil [Taylor]. Phil had the ropes for a long time, boys got better, Phil got better and then he reached the stage that he started hitting a few times. Van Gerwen is not ready yet. “
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