Gary Anderson refrained from openly criticizing Adam Hunt despite being displeased with his opponent’s questionable tactics during their clash at the World Darts Championship. The Flying Scotsman secured a narrow 3-2 victory over Hunt in the opening round, facing unexpected challenges along the way.
Anderson, a two-time champion at Alexandra Palace, encountered a tough battle against the underdog, who briefly led 2-1 in the match before Anderson staged a comeback. Despite his wavering performance during the game, the 54-year-old, seeded No.14 and a former back-to-back champion in 2015 and 2016, managed to outshine Hunt with a marginally higher average score of 95.2 compared to the 94.47 achieved by his 32-year-old English counterpart.
Although Anderson initially praised Hunt’s performance in a post-match interview with Sky Sports, he later expressed his frustration in a press conference. Anderson hinted at Hunt’s attempt to play mind games and asserted his own experience and skill in the sport, highlighting his long-standing expertise and ability to maintain high averages consistently.
Looking ahead, Anderson is set to face the winner between Connor Scutt and Simon Whitlock in the upcoming round. Despite the challenging match against Hunt, where Anderson trailed slightly in terms of 100+ scores and 180s, he remains focused on pursuing his third world title. A victory in this prestigious tournament would elevate Anderson’s status alongside darting legends like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen, a prospect that greatly motivates him as he competes in north London.
Reflecting on the significance of the championship and the potential for another title win, Anderson acknowledged the evolving landscape of darts and the substantial prize money at stake, expressing his desire to secure another victory in this highly competitive arena.