HEARN TIPS ANDERSON SUCCESS

PDC President Barry Hearn has tipped Gary Anderson to be a threat to win a third world championship title. 

The inspirational arrows boss is convinced that The Flying Scotsman can outgun favourites Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen at the Ally Pally. 

Anderson has hit form recently and Hearn told LuckyBlock.com: “Gary’s come from nowhere. He’s got a fishing lake, he leads a nice life. 

“These last six months he’s really discovered his love of darts, and he has the stage experience but he’s still going to be a massive price. So I would look at Gary Anderson. 

“He’s a strange type of competitor as far as he gives the impression that he doesn’t really care.

“There’s nothing quite like that rush of adrenaline when you’re competing at the sharp end. I think he’s re-discovered that recently. He won two Pro Tour events in a short space of time recently. The only danger for Gary, is the fact that the tournament takes 17 days.

“On a one day event, he would be a good price for me – anything over 16/1. However, it’s the mental stamina that is really crucial.”

Hearn still believes that on-form Humphries and Van Gerwen are the favourites. 

He added: “It favours the top players, the ones who have experience, the ones who hold their nerve. Michael Van Gerwen I think will always definitely be the favourite – for big events he pulls out something special. 

“Luke Humphries, now he’s got the monkey off his back having won the World Grand Prix – he’s suddenly what we call the big stage player.”

Hearn also continues in his belief that Josh Rock is one to watch on the big stage, especially after his recent run at the Grand Slam. 

He added: “Someone like Josh Rock is also an intriguing prospect. His life has changed in 12 months, he was working at a chicken factory in Belfast. But now he’s earned, I’m going to guess somewhere around £300,000 this year. Not bad, is it? He’s going to be dangerous, but can he keep that hot form?

“Does he feel the nerves a bit more because of the enormity of the task ahead of him? Half a million to the winner, Premier League, life-changing, seeded player, endorsements. He suddenly becomes a million-pound-a-year player or potentially even more. That sometimes can be a negative when they see the winning line.”

Images by Taylor Lanning.