Veteran Darts Player Gary Anderson Secures First European Tour Triumph in a Decade
On Sunday night, veteran darts player Gary Anderson secured his first European Tour triumph in a decade, emerging victorious at the European Darts Grand Prix. The Scotsman defeated Ross Smith 8-6 in a closely contested final, despite expressing surprise at his own performance.
“I don’t know how I won it. In my last three games, I was so lucky. I have never been so lucky in my life playing darts!” said Anderson, whose previous European Tour title came at the German Darts Championship in February 2014.
The former world champion acknowledged that his path to the trophy was far from straightforward.
“I played well in my first game, and I think it went right downhill since. I should have never beaten Josh Rock, I should have never beaten Rob Cross, and I shouldn’t have beaten Ross Smith either,” Anderson admitted.
Despite his self-doubts, the 52-year-old was grateful to clinch the victory.
“It’s not very often I win a game being lucky, but we will pinch that one, and hopefully the next time I might win it outright by playing properly!”
Anderson’s return to the European Tour after a seven-year absence was marked by a noticeable increase in the sport’s popularity.
“Many years ago when I played on the European Tour, the crowd was starting to grow, and it’s just got bigger and bigger. Whether it’s Germany, Holland or wherever – everyone now wants to play darts, and why not, because these crowds are fantastic,” he remarked.
This tournament triumph has also boosted Anderson’s position in the world rankings, as he now sits at 21st, a testament to his enduring talent and resilience in the sport.
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