At the iconic Alexandra Palace, the atmosphere was electric as two-time world champion Gary Anderson kicked off his campaign in the PDC World Darts Championship with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Adam Hunt. The Flying Scotsman, known for his no-nonsense approach and blistering scoring power, was pushed to the limit in a thrilling first-round encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats. What unfolded on stage was a classic battle of nerves, but it was the backstage exchange that added an extra layer of spice to the drama.
Anderson, the Scottish darts legend who claimed back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016, found himself trailing 2-1 at one point against his determined opponent. Hunt, a former protégé of Anderson’s, delivered a performance that raised eyebrows, hitting impressive scores and even outscoring the veteran in 100+ finishes in parts of the match. With 24 scores over 100 to Anderson’s 23 and four maximum 180s compared to the Scot’s six, Hunt proved he was no pushover. Yet, experience prevailed as Anderson rallied, dominating the final two sets 3-1 each to seal his progression to the second round.
The match wasn’t without its tense moments. Anderson admitted to throwing away a couple of legs, which allowed Hunt to capitalize with some exuberant celebrations. “Yeah, there was a couple of legs that I threw away,” he reflected afterward. “There’s nothing worse than somebody pinching a leg off you and giving it licks and you think, right, okay, that’s not going to go well.” Those fired-up responses from Hunt seemed to ignite something in the 54-year-old, who has seen it all in his long career.
But the real fireworks came during the post-match reflections, where Anderson didn’t hold back on what he perceived as psychological tactics from his rival. He revealed a cheeky backstage comment made by Hunt during the first break. “At the first break he popped his head in and went: ‘When was the last time you played like that?'” Anderson recounted. His response was swift and defiant: “I went: ‘I play like that all the time, son.’ Simple as that.” He paused, then added with a hint of frustration, “Cheeky little…”
Anderson went on to question Hunt’s sudden surge in form, noting, “He’s never played like that for the last 12 months.” The Scot, ever the straight-talker, dismissed any notion that he was rattled, emphasizing his vast experience in the game. “We talk about mind games, but when was the last time you played like that? I probably forgot more about darts than what he ever knows. It’s not a thing. I’ve played darts a long time. I still bang in the 110 plus averages. So, yeah, I can still play the game how it should be.”
Despite the irritation, Anderson kept his focus on the bigger picture, expressing relief at navigating what he called a tough opener. “The first game is the hardest, but I’m through,” he said. He also shared his philosophy on staying sharp in high-pressure situations: “If you think, you lose. That’s a darts player’s secret.” For Anderson, the sport is straightforward—no rocket science involved. “I just want to play darts,” he insisted. “You throw your darts and you get out of the boy’s way to let him throw. That’s it. It’s the easiest game in the world to play.”
Critiquing some modern habits on the oche, he added a jab at slower playstyles: “When you see them sauntering up to the dartboard and taking 10 minutes to take their darts out, is that darts?” It’s this unfiltered honesty that endears Anderson to fans, even as it occasionally stirs controversy.
Looking ahead, Anderson will face the winner of the clash between veteran Simon Whitlock and rising star Connor Scutt in the next round. He’s familiar with both: “I’ve known Simon for donkeys,” he said warmly. Of Scutt, he was full of praise: “Connor, I’m a big fan. I get on well with Conor. Cracking little boy. He’s a worker. He puts the time in on his dartboard.”
What keeps a player of Anderson’s caliber motivated at this stage of his career? The prospect of a new chapter at Alexandra Palace, with plans for an expanded arena in the future, seems to fuel his fire. Despite acknowledging his body’s wear and tear—”The body’s still done”—he’s determined to keep competing at the highest level, with plenty of chainsaw work planned for after the tournament.
This gritty win serves as a reminder that Anderson remains a formidable force, capable of producing vintage performances when it matters most. In a tournament packed with young guns and reigning champions, the Flying Scotsman’s blend of skill, resilience, and sheer personality ensures he’s always a contender. As the championship rolls on, fans will be watching closely to see if he can channel that same fire into a deep run—and perhaps a third world crown.
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