Anderson Wins Matchplay Thriller
Gary Anderson completely coveted oche triple crown by winning the BetVictor World Matchplay but admitted: “It was a struggle.”
The Flying Scotsman beat Mensur Suljovic in the longest-ever final in an epic 21-19 tie break at the Winter Gardens last night.
Ando picked up the Phil Taylor trophy and £160,000, including £45,000 for his quarter-final nine-darter, despite a moment of high drama when he hit the inside of the bullseye wire to win the match.
But that only served to fire him up to finally clinch the Matchplay to go with the Worlds and Premier League. Only Taylor and Michael van Gerwen have previously achieved that and he admitted: “It was a struggle and I always struggle against Mensur.
“To hit the bullseye wire to win the match was a hard one to take. I had to channel the anger after that. Twice before in the match the same had happened. I rode my luck today a bit.
“It’s nice to win the triple crown and it’s been good to see Phil this week.
“Blackpool will be special to me now. I’ll look forward to coming up the M5 and M6 next year. But seriously it’s been a good year.”
There was nothing between the pair early doors - but Suljovic delivered the first breathing space of the final going into a 9-7 lead.
Then it was all Anderson as Suljovic wobbled big time on the checkouts. It was now 24 missed doubles for the slow-throwing star as Ando reeled off his fourth successive leg with double seven to lead 11-9.
As the wheels came off Suljovic’s charge, so the purple patch put Anderson in control of the showpiece. Suddenly The Flying Scotsman was full steam ahead winning seven out of eight legs to move 14-10 in front.
A 105 finish with a nerveless tops kill put the Scot within two of glory. Then a wonderful 77 finish with double 10 edged him ever closer to the crown at 17-13 in front.
However, it was far from over. The Austrian took the next four legs to take it to a nail-biting tie break.
It was first blood to Suljovic as he took the lead 18-17, his fifth leg win in succession. But it was now the longest-ever Matchplay final as Ando hit tops to make it 18-18.
But a crucial double 18 and break of throw gave Anderson sight of glory again. But then a moment of high drama as Ando hits the inside of the bullseye wire to win the match - and Suljovic levels it up again at 19-19.
Once again it was advantage Ando with double eight to break. Finally, in an epic finish, he wrapped up the triple crown with a 50 and tops kill.
By Phil Lanning (@lannomedia)
There was nothing between the pair early doors - but Suljovic delivered the first breathing space of the final going into a 9-7 lead.
Then it was all Anderson as Suljovic wobbled big time on the checkouts. It was now 24 missed doubles for the slow-throwing star as Ando reeled off his fourth successive leg with double seven to lead 11-9.
As the wheels came off Suljovic’s charge, so the purple patch put Anderson in control of the showpiece. Suddenly The Flying Scotsman was full steam ahead winning seven out of eight legs to move 14-10 in front.
A 105 finish with a nerveless tops kill put the Scot within two of glory. Then a wonderful 77 finish with double 10 edged him ever closer to the crown at 17-13 in front.
However, it was far from over. The Austrian took the next four legs to take it to a nail-biting tie break.
It was first blood to Suljovic as he took the lead 18-17, his fifth leg win in succession. But it was now the longest-ever Matchplay final as Ando hit tops to make it 18-18.
But a crucial double 18 and break of throw gave Anderson sight of glory again. But then a moment of high drama as Ando hits the inside of the bullseye wire to win the match - and Suljovic levels it up again at 19-19.
Once again it was advantage Ando with double eight to break. Finally, in an epic finish, he wrapped up the triple crown with a 50 and tops kill.
By Phil Lanning (@lannomedia)