"I’m at that stage now where there is no pressure on me, but when you come here, you want to play."
By Phil Lanning
GARY ANDERSON admits he won Players Championship 22 despite only turning up to chat with his darting pals!
The two-time World Champion picked up his third title of the year after beating Connor Scutt 8-4 in the final in Leicester yesterday (Tuesday).
Ando, 53, delivered another strong day of form including wins over Jonny Clayton and James Wade on the way to the final.
He said: “It has surprised me. I just came here to catch up with Whitey (Ian) and have a game of darts today!
“I’ve been away doing a few exhibitions and busy doing other things.
“I felt alright. The first couple of games I was OK, second game was a struggle.
“Against Connor, he’s a cracking little dart player. He’ll be one to watch.
“I’ve been playing a lot of youngsters. I tell you what, the next few years are going to be eye opening.
“I just turn up and have a game of darts. I’m at that stage that if I get beat, it’s not the end of the world and I get to go home early.
“You want to play, you do try. There’s a few games today that I’ve scraped past. In the semis I played well against Wadey (James).”
Anderson kicked off with a 6-2 win over Krzysztof Ratajski, then narrowly beat Lee Cocks 6-5. He then dumped Mickey Mansell 6-1, Mike De Decker 6-3, Clayton 6-3 and Wade 7-4.
He added: “I’ve got no pressure, I turn up. If you turn up not expecting much, it gives you a wee boost.
“The Grand Slam and the Grand Prix, double start, that’s one I’m never supposed to win. I can’t hit doubles to finish, never mind start with.
“I love the Grand Slam but what will be, will be. If it’s your day, then it’s going to be yours.”
Image by Taylor Lanning.
