24/07/2020

Anderson sets up semi-final clash with Smith after edging past Whitlock

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.