Anderson claims maiden World Matchplay title defeating Suljovic in longest ever final
NewsMonday, 30 July 2018 at 09:05
Gary Anderson has done it! He has claimed the darting triple crown by adding the World Matchplay to his roll of honour by defeating Mensur Suljovic in the final at the Winter Gardens.
Anderson now has the World Championship, World Matchplay and Premier League in his collection becoming one of only three players to do it. The other two of course being Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor.
It was also the longest final in history; with Mensur and Gary adding proper drama with 'The Gentle' in particular roaring back to force extra time.
This was after him going ahead at 9-7 but then missing handfuls of doubles which could have given him a huge lead .
Despite continued good scoring from the Champions League winner, it seemed to spur Anderson on as he hit the front at 17-13 up. With him seemingly on his way to the title, Suljovic hit back with a run of legs to level up to make it 17-17.
He missed darts at double to go one away after it seemed like it would be the Austrian's night.
’The Flying Scotsman’ got to 19-18 and missed a dart at the bull which bounced out and Suljovic stepped in to make it 19-19.
A poor last leg from Mensur that he had to win to force sudden death at 20-19 gave Anderson a win at the end of an enthralling final.
Click here for more information about the World Matchplay. The prize fund breakdown for this tournament can be found here.
Sunday, July 29
Final
Gary Anderson (101.12) 21-19 (104.43) Mensur Suljovic
Best of 35 legs
https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/1023660780565159936
It was also the longest final in history; with Mensur and Gary adding proper drama with 'The Gentle' in particular roaring back to force extra time.
This was after him going ahead at 9-7 but then missing handfuls of doubles which could have given him a huge lead .
Despite continued good scoring from the Champions League winner, it seemed to spur Anderson on as he hit the front at 17-13 up. With him seemingly on his way to the title, Suljovic hit back with a run of legs to level up to make it 17-17.
He missed darts at double to go one away after it seemed like it would be the Austrian's night.
’The Flying Scotsman’ got to 19-18 and missed a dart at the bull which bounced out and Suljovic stepped in to make it 19-19.
A poor last leg from Mensur that he had to win to force sudden death at 20-19 gave Anderson a win at the end of an enthralling final.
Click here for more information about the World Matchplay. The prize fund breakdown for this tournament can be found here.
Sunday, July 29
Final
Gary Anderson (101.12) 21-19 (104.43) Mensur Suljovic
Best of 35 legs
https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/1023660780565159936
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- The pundits glossing over the other factor at play in that match. They appear to be somewhat constrained in what they can say publicly.
UndartedWaters16-11-2024 - So, you don't like Littler, then? I was cheering him on, being a fellow Englishman. Honestly, some of us get far too offended nowadays. If you want to see crowd passion... watch a match when German and Dutch players face off... that can be just as bad if not worse for crowd noises. It happens, I have watched and heard Littler being jeered - Dirk van Duijvenbode in Holland, January this year. Where was your outrage then? Yes, I can clearly see what is going on here.MrYnyslas197116-11-2024
- It happens. Remember, anyone who has watched German and Dutch players in matches - their respective countries will have seen/heard just as bad jeering (if not worse). Taylor and MVG are two prime examples of professionals who are able to cope with the crowds mentally and not take it personally. This is not just an English crowd problem, FFS.MrYnyslas197116-11-2024
- Was watching an old World Masters final the other day between Eric Bristow and John Lowe, the crowd respect for both players on throw was first class, not a sound. You can imagine now the idiots who were whistling on De Deckers throw proudly boasting about it on social media. I blame the PDC to a certain extent though doubt they really care as they win regardless of which player wins or loses.Mysstree16-11-2024
- @UndartedWaters I totally agree with your thoughts! I totally respect Kirk but in this instance I was disappointed with his lack of crowd control. I even turned to my husband and said "Could you imagine this happening if Russ Bray was the referee tonight? At least there would have been a crowd admonishment- Ladies and Gentleman please." I so felt for Mike DeDecker...MamaVenus15-11-2024