The Alexandra Palace stage was ablaze with drama during the PDC World Darts Championship as two-time world champion Gary Anderson delivered a masterclass to dispatch three-time titleholder Michael van Gerwen in a commanding 4-1 triumph in the fourth round. The Flying Scotsman, at 55, rolled back the years with a performance that blended vintage power and clinical finishing, leaving fans and pundits buzzing. Yet, it was Anderson’s astonishing post-match claim that he felt “rotten” during the match that truly set tongues wagging, casting his victory in an even more remarkable light.
From the opening leg, Anderson seized control, nailing a crisp 101 checkout to signal his intent. He surged to a 2-0 lead, capitalizing on Van Gerwen’s uncharacteristic struggles on the doubles, where the Dutchman managed a mere 31% success rate compared to Anderson’s 38%. The Scot’s barrage of 11 maximum 180s—three more than his rival—kept the pressure relentless. Despite Van Gerwen clawing back a set with a blistering third-set average above 116, Anderson regained his grip, restoring a two-set cushion and sealing the win on double 8 in a scrappy yet decisive final set.
Reflecting on the match, Anderson’s humility shone through, even as he stood triumphant. “I think I was rotten, Michael was rotten!” he declared with a wry smile. “I knew Michael misses a few doubles now and again, but not that many. We pinched it at the end and happy to get through. I’ve never felt right since I got on the stage tonight and I don’t think Michael felt right as well. I was trying to feed off him and vice versa.” His candid admission that neither player was at their peak only amplified the impressiveness of his victory, as he outplayed a darts titan while feeling off his game.
This win marks Anderson’s first quarter-final appearance at the World Championship since 2022, a significant milestone for a player who has openly prioritized enjoyment over a packed schedule in recent years. His renaissance at Ally Pally has reignited dreams of a third world title, which would make him the tournament’s oldest champion and Scotland’s most decorated darts star, surpassing legends like Jocky Wilson. Yet, Anderson remains grounded, shrugging off title talk with a characteristic quip: “I’m just here to cause a headache.”
Next up, Anderson faces Justin Hood, the tournament’s breakout star, who stunned 11th seed Josh Rock with a 4-0 rout earlier that day. Hood’s spellbinding display saw him hit his first 11 doubles without a miss, only faltering on a 143 checkout before sealing victory with a 119 finish. The 32-year-old debutant, averaging 101, has captured the crowd’s hearts, and Anderson is wary of the challenge. “My doubles were amazing there. Josh gave me some chances and I took them,” Hood reflected, crediting an hour of focused double practice for his flawless performance.
The night also saw defending champion Luke Humphries advance, overcoming a slow start to defeat Kevin Doets 4-1 with a 103.07 average and eight 180s. Humphries, set to face Dutch prodigy Gian van Veen in the quarters, acknowledged the need for improvement: “It was a decent performance—it kind of dropped off towards the end, but when you’re 3-1 up, you want a good set to prove yourself and not create any unnecessary drama.” Van Veen, meanwhile, cruised past debutant Charlie Manby 4-1, despite admitting he “did not feel in control” despite nine maximums.
Anderson’s victory and his surprising self-criticism have added a fresh twist to the championship narrative. At a time when younger stars like Luke Littler dominate headlines, the Scot’s ability to topple a giant like Van Gerwen while feeling subpar underscores his enduring class. As the quarter-finals loom on New Year’s Day, the darts world waits to see if Anderson’s “rotten” brilliance can carry him closer to history—or if Hood’s fearless finishing will write a new chapter in this unforgettable tournament.
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