Gary Anderson claimed that he "scraped through" his Masters first round tie on Saturday night.
The outcome does not match the claim, however. Anderson cantered to a simple 10-4 success against Benito van de Pas. Despite a 90 average that is mediocre by his standard, the Scot had few problems against the 13th seed. The two-time world champion again pointed to his ongoing back problems as the cause of his substandard throwing.
"I didn't expect too much because my back's been bad for the last three or four months and I'm a bit stiff from the treatment I've been having," said Anderson.
"It's going to be a long road for me and it could have been easier tonight, but you get annoyed when you can't hit what you should be hitting.
Ton-plus finishes of 109 and 115 were enough to see off van de Pas, who has not beaten the Flying Scotsman in three years.
"Benito is a good player and he's got a lot of talent, but he always seems to struggle against me and I'm glad I scraped through," he said.
Anderson takes on Gerwyn Price in Sunday afternoon's quarter-finals.
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"I didn't expect too much because my back's been bad for the last three or four months and I'm a bit stiff from the treatment I've been having," said Anderson.
"It's going to be a long road for me and it could have been easier tonight, but you get annoyed when you can't hit what you should be hitting.
Ton-plus finishes of 109 and 115 were enough to see off van de Pas, who has not beaten the Flying Scotsman in three years.
"Benito is a good player and he's got a lot of talent, but he always seems to struggle against me and I'm glad I scraped through," he said.
Anderson takes on Gerwyn Price in Sunday afternoon's quarter-finals.
Join the Fantasy Premier League Darts! Create 1 team for 5 euro for the full Premier League season. The prize pool starts at 500 euro and we have a 1st prize of at least 88 euro!
https://twitter.com/livedarts/status/957368905403596800
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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