In a thrilling evening at Alexandra Palace during the PDC World Darts Championship, two-time champion Gary Anderson delivered a stunning performance to oust three-time winner Michael van Gerwen in the fourth round, winning 4-1 in a match filled with high drama and missed opportunities on the doubles. The Flying Scotsman, who has often downplayed his form in recent years, showcased flashes of his vintage brilliance, hammering 11 maximums and capitalizing on Van Gerwen’s uncharacteristic struggles with finishing, where the Dutchman managed only a 31% success rate on doubles.
Anderson raced to a 2-0 lead, kicking off with a crisp 101 checkout and holding firm despite Van Gerwen’s brief resurgence in the third set. The Scot restored his advantage and closed out the match on double 8 after Van Gerwen squandered chances to extend the contest. Reflecting on the scrappy yet intense battle, Anderson shrugged, “I knew Michael misses a few doubles now and again but not that many – happy to get through. I’ve never felt right since I got on the stage tonight and I don’t think he felt right. I was trying to feed off him. It was one of those games.”
This victory marks Anderson’s first quarter-final appearance at the World Championship in four years, setting up a clash with sensational debutant Justin Hood, who earlier stunned the field with a record 11 consecutive doubles in his whitewash of Josh Rock. At 55, Anderson continues his quest to become the tournament’s oldest winner, though he has repeatedly insisted he is not contemplating a third world title since his back-to-back triumphs in 2015 and 2016.
Meanwhile, defending champion Luke Humphries advanced comfortably with a 4-1 win over Kevin Doets, battling back from dropping the opening set to dominate with a 103.07 average and eight 180s. The world No. 2, nicknamed “Cool Hand Luke,” admitted his performance dipped toward the end but emphasized the need for consistency in high-stakes moments. “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,” he said in his on-stage interview.
Humphries now faces rising Dutch star Gian van Veen in the quarter-finals, a matchup he described as fiery and demanding. Van Veen cruised past young debutant Charlie Manby 4-1, barely shifting out of second gear. Humphries acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting that Van Veen would require him to elevate his game significantly.
In a revealing backstage conversation after his win, Humphries shared insights into a chat with Anderson, highlighting the Scot’s firm reluctance to return to the Premier League despite his resurgent form at Ally Pally. Humphries, who has long admired Anderson’s talent, expressed surprise and disappointment at the two-time world champion’s stance. He revealed that Anderson remains adamant about not participating in the upcoming Premier League season, even as his impressive run suggests he could still compete at the elite level.
This comes amid Anderson’s ongoing renaissance, where he has rolled back the years with powerful scoring and resilient play. Fans and pundits alike have been stunned by backstage footage of Anderson preparing intensely before his Van Gerwen triumph, underscoring his focus and determination. Yet, the Scot has consistently played down expectations, focusing solely on the present rather than future commitments.
Humphries’ comments add an intriguing layer to the tournament narrative, as the darts world debates whether Anderson’s self-imposed exile from certain events is premature. With the quarter-finals looming on New Year’s Day, the spotlight intensifies on these veterans and emerging talents. Anderson’s path to a potential semi-final clash grows more compelling, while Humphries aims to defend his title against a new generation hungry for glory.
The World Darts Championship continues to deliver unforgettable moments, blending the experience of legends like Anderson with the precision of champions like Humphries. As the field narrows to the last eight, the pressure mounts, promising more twists in this iconic event at the home of darts.
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