GILDING TO BE SNUBBED REGARDLESS OF ACCOLADES
24/07/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
CHRIS MASON says Andrew Gilding will not be included in the Premier League even if he wins the World Matchplay.
Former UK Open champ Gilding edged Damon Heta 12-10 in round one at Blackpool with a scintillating performance where he averaged 101.82 and smashed in TEN 180s.
‘Goldfinger’ averaged an impressive 100.50 to defeat Dirk van Duijvenbode 11-5 and make back-to-back quarter-finals at the Winter Gardens.
Although Mason believes the 54-year-old won’t feature in the Premier League even if he walks away with the Phil Taylor trophy.
Paul Nicholson said: “Imagine if he wins this. He could be a UK Open and World Matchplay champion.
Mason joked: “And still not get into the Premier League.”
World No. 28 Gilding had a stellar campaign this year after reaching the final of the European Darts Grand Prix in May.
Norfolk thrower Gilding has also made FOUR semi-finals on the ProTour.
Mason heaped praise on Gilding and admitted at times he is unplayable on the big stage.
He added: “He is an unbelievable player. Prior to him winning that UK Open he was hitting 108 and 110 averages with ridiculous regularity.
“So when he won it, I think a lot of people within the media expected me and Paul to be shocked.
“We weren’t we were like look at the numbers pal.
“They don’t lie. It might be in a different environment but if you can do it, you can do it.
“He becomes at times unplayable. That match is how you play Matchplay.”
Former Players Championship Finals winner Nicholson highlighted Gilding’s impressive resume so far in 2025.
He revealed: “If you dig really deep you know Andrew has been doing stuff this year and making the thick end of tournaments.
“I know he didn’t win the European Darts Grand Prix but he got to the final match and ran into Gary Anderson where he had run out of steam.
“He is having the time of his life.”
Gilding returns to action on Thursday and will face Luke Littler in the last eight of the Matchplay.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
