Anderson sets up semi-final clash with Smith after edging past Whitlock
NewsFriday, 24 July 2020 at 08:35
Gary Anderson will face off against Michael Smith on Saturday night for a spot in the final of the World Matchplay after seeing off Simon Whitlock in a 16-12 win.
Anderson is defending his win from two years ago and is going the right way about it after seeing off 'The Wizard' who had previously dealt with Michael van Gerwen. He hit a 98.5 average and nine 180's en route.
To begin the tie, it was 'The Flying Scotsman' that held the advantage claiming a 5-2 advantage to build himself a three leg cushion against Whitlock. At the break, Whitlock hit an 11-darter to keep himself in touch at 6-4 down.
Anderson though kept him at arms length going 7-4 up and despite Whitlock building up a head of steam to taking out 108 and 120 with 20, Bull, Bull; the former went two clear again breaking back immediately at 8-6 up.
At the break he was 9-6 up and broke to give Whitlock an even bigger mountain to climb at 10-6. This is when the Aussie began to fight back, he took an immediate break back and did so again to trail 10-9.
A hold saw him restore proceedings to parity but Anderson stopped the rot and from there it was back and forth up to 12-12 when the two time World Champion found an extra gear to go one away at 15-12 with three consecutive legs.
He closed out proceedings from there with a 14 darter with Whitlock on double 20 to keep himself in it.
Click here for more information about the World Matchplay, including the tournament bracket, TV coverage and prize money breakdown.
Schedule World Matchplay 2020
Quarter-Finals
Thursday July 23
Krzysztof Ratajski (93.82) 13-16 (98.32) Michael Smith
Simon Whitlock (95.48) 12-16 (98.51) Gary Anderson
Simon Whitlock (95.48) 12-16 (98.51) Gary Anderson
https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/1286404138176217093?s=20
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- I dont like individuals or crowds trying to put any player off when they are trying to check out, how anyone can think its okay for the crowd to whistle or shout as someone is throwing for a double is beyond me but it does seem to have become part and parcel of the modern game. I no longer play now, darts is as good as dead at a local level round my way but when i did play many years ago, no matter how intense the rivalry you never shouted out or whistled when an opponent from the other team was throwing for a double.Mysstree17-11-2024
- 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