Gary Anderson doesn’t give a ‘flying fish and chips’ what pundits say about him
Gary Anderson declared darts commentators’ views on him meant nothing after beginning his latest Ally Pally campaign with a hard-fought win.
The two-time world champion saw off Madars Razma 3-2 to set up a third round clash against Chris Dobey and Martijn Kleermaker next Wednesday, December 28.
After a poor year, which included a bottom-place finish in the Premier League, Anderson is not being talked about as a potential champion. Asked how felt about going under the radar with darts pundits, the Flying Scotsman issued a blunt response.
READ MORE: Gary Anderson started playing darts by accident – because it was cheaper than pool
“I’ve heard the commentators [saying], this and that for donkey’s years,” he said. “If I actually gave a flying fish and chips what they say, I’d have packed in darts a long time ago.
“I could give two monkeys what they say, whether I’m above the radar or below it. I’m just here to throw darts and that’s it. Let them do what they want to do, I’ll just come up here and try and hit doubles and treble 20s.”
Against Razma, Anderson, who boasts more wins on the Ally Pally stage than any other player, came through a high-quality opening set with a 105 average, courtesy of 12, 15 and 13-dart legs.
Razma responded with 121 and 134 finishes in consecutive legs to restore parity, and a superb 154 checkout midway through set three gave the Latvian the opportunity to throw for a 2-1 advantage.
How far can Gary Anderson go at the World Championship? Tell us in the comments section below
However, Razma squandered four darts at double for the set and paid the price, as Anderson conjured up 121 and 110 combinations in the latter stages to wrap up a 3-1 success.
“This is every dart player's dream just to stand on this stage,” said the Scot, who is one win away from registering a half-century of victories at the PDC World Championship.
“Even me – if I cannot smile coming here – this is the place that you need to be. It’s just a great atmosphere and a great place for the World Championship.
“I’m not sure if I can win it this year. My game is not even close to what it should be, but I keep trying, and I am practising a lot more.”
READ NEXT:
- Read the latest darts news from the Daily Star here
- Cameron Menzies makes Vincent van der Voort wince with awkward long hug after darts match
- ‘Pub Olympian’ Scott Williams making mark at Ally Pally just five years after taking up darts
- Darts maverick Cameron Menzies sings along with crowd – who are chanting for his opponent
- Trina Gulliver says she'll be 'dead and buried' by the time a woman wins PDC world title
Source: Read Full Article