ANDERSON QUESTIONS PLAYERS WHO PANIC AND RETIRE

GARY ANDERSON says too many players ‘panic and retire’ when their form dips but insists he’ll keep playing as long as he’s enjoying the game. 

‘The Flying Scotsman’ reached the quarter-finals of a major event for the 17th consecutive calendar year after sweeping aside Joe Cullen 3-0 at the World Grand Prix in Leicester. 

World No. 13 Anderson averaged 87.54 and landed 56 per cent of his doubles in a polished display, while Cullen’s struggles on the outer ring proved costly. 

Anderson admitted he wasn’t at his scoring best but was happy to get the job done. 

He said: “I started off well, but the scoring was terrible. Joe had a few legs — six or seven, maybe more — where he just didn’t kick off, and that makes it hard.  

“If you don’t hit that double, it’s a tough game. 

“Double-start, double-finish — my worst nightmare! I can’t hit a double to finish, never mind start.  

“You’ll probably see in my next game I’ll score well but can’t start, or I’ll start well and can’t finish. One of those.” 

Eight-times major winner Anderson offered words of advice for fellow world champ Michael Smith, who’s endured a tough run this year. 

He added: “When you get into that bubble, it’s hard to get out.  

“I play darts now and people can call me whatever they want — I don’t care. I just like playing darts. I don’t care if I win or lose. 

“But these lads are still young, mid-thirties, got a long way to go. When you get into that ‘I can’t win a game’ mindset, it’s tough.”  

The 54-year-old believes too many players walk away too early instead of riding out the tough times. 

He continued: “Sometimes you just need one ugly win and that bubble bursts, then you’re back.  

“The more you think about it, the worse it gets. Best thing is to put it aside and carry on. 

“A lot of players panic when they struggle just retire or pack it in. I don’t see the point.  

“Getting beat’s part of the job. You just keep going. So that’s what I’ll do — play as long as I can. Simple as that.” 

Ando now faces Danny Noppert in the last eight and was full of praise for the Dutchman. 

He explained: “Danny’s the most overlooked player going. He’s a cracking lad, a proper grafter.  

“You give him a sniff and he’ll take it. You never really hear him mentioned, do you? But he’s classy — solid as they come. 

“He might not always bang in 115 averages, but he’s always there. Always knocking on the door. Great lad, tough lad, proper darts player.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.