Gary Anderson got the slingshot out tonight to take down Croat giant Boris Krcmar.
The Flying Scotsman will face Brendan Dolan tomorrow in the last 16 of the Paddy Power World Championship after flooring the burly Balkan. Massive Krcmar is regarded as the scariest man on the circuit, but Anderson put the frighteners on him at the Ally Pally. The two-time champion had to produce some of his best as he gave another indication he’s a serious contender for a hat-trick.
Krcmar was a dangerous challenge and showed he was not going to be a pushover as he broke Anderson three times to land the opening set with a magnificent 161 finish clinching it. The Scot had to respond quickly and did so to level the game up in the second, even if he missed doubles before securing. Anderson then stepped on the gas in the key mid-match period with a special third set display against the throw before holding to move 3-1 ahead averaging over 100 in both.
That surge from the 53-year-old broke Krcmar’s resistance and the darts ' fans favourite completed the job in set five to set-up his encounter with Dolan.
Speaking after the clash, Anderson said: “When Boris won the first set, I thought: This is going to be a struggle. But we got back to 1-1 and the next two sets, I think the third was tight and the fourth was comfortable. The last set, I could tell the way he was throwing, we kind of had him.”
Anderson was given another rapturous reception by the London audience and added: “I’ve never had that before. When I walked out, that was a shock. I would hate to see the state of them at New Year! But they come from all over the planet to watch this game and we have to thank them. If it wasn’t for the supporters, it would be a boring game.”
Anderson’s drive is clear as, when asked what motivates him, he smiled: “Sky. Saying I’m finished. Unlucky, I’m not done yet. I keep trying. We keep going. My daughter wants a horse, so I better keep playing!”
Anderson is now gearing up for Dolan, who took care of Gerwyn Price to set up the clash. The Scot said: “I was looking forward to playing against Gezzy! The last four or five games, we have played really well against each other.
“But Brendan is a dark horse. He is a class, class act. People write him off, but never write Brendan off. Lovely guy and a bloody good dart player.”
