Anderson Blasts Through Blackpool Opener

Gary Anderson produced one of the greatest performances in Betfred World Matchplay history to open his title challenge on Sunday.

Day Two of the summer’s showpiece event saw eight opening round ties take place at the Winter Gardens, as Anderson kicked off his campaign in vintage style.

The Scottish icon recorded the eighth-highest average in World Matchplay history, averaging 109.96 in his 10-2 demolition of Ryan Joyce.Anderson – who lifted the famous Phil Taylor Trophy in 2018 – was irrepressible from start to finish, converting consecutive 144 and 141 checkouts to cap off his best display on the Empress Ballroom stage.

“You get those days sometimes where you can throw with your eyes shut and hit everything, and today was one of those days,” admitted the two-time World Champion.

“I’ve missed a lot of tournaments this year. I play when I can, and honestly I came here not knowing what to expect.

“The next game will be a completely different game, so we’ll see what happens.”

Anderson’s reward will be a blockbuster showdown against 2023 runner-up Jonny Clayton, who ran out a 10-7 winner against Australian number one Damon Heta.

Despite storming into an 8-3 lead, the world number five was forced to defy a spirited fightback from Heta, wrapping up proceedings with a magnificent 144 finish.

“I loved every second of that,” claimed Clayton – a semi-finalist 12 months ago.“This is the best venue in darts, and I’m a proud man to be standing here with a win to my name.

“Gary Anderson was my hero in darts. I think it’s going to be a battle of the old boys, but I hope it’s going to be a belter.”

The opening round of the Betfred World Matchplay concludes on Monday, as 2024 champion Luke Humphries enters the fray against Scotland’s Cameron Menzies.2019 champion Rob Cross plays Danny Noppert, 2022 runner-up Gerwyn Price takes on Martin Schindler, with Ross Smith and Kevin Doets also set to lock horns.

The Betfred World Matchplay is being broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK & Ireland, through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN, CANAL+ and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).