Bob Anderson was one of the main names to be initially confirmed for the inaugural World Seniors Darts Championship which is set to take place in early 2022.
Anderson, the 1988 World Champion takes his place alongside the likes of Phil Taylor, Martin Adams, Ted Hankey, Dennis Priestley and Andy Fordham among others.
'The Limestone Cowboy' spoke after the announcement and was very much up for the task and the battle ahead against his fellow legends.
"It’s not an exhibition show now, this is blood and guts," said Anderson speaking to Phil Lanning for Oche180.
“The spirit lives on. I thought this John Wayne had walked into the sunset. This is not a sunset now, this is a new dawn of an old age.”
“The competitive side of you maybe on the back burner and I’ve been in exhibition mode for the last 13 years. So to re-stoke the fires of competition is something I’m really looking forward to."
“I’ve maintained Super League throughout the 13-year period so I’m not unfamiliar with the clashing of swords.
“We will be poking through the embers of old rivalries. I’m really looking forward to that and getting a good flare-up again. There were certainly rivalries in the old days, in a sporting sense, between myself and John (Lowe), Keith and the late Eric Bristow, of course.
“But Mr Taylor was slightly different. It was like trying to stop an express train with a table tennis bat.
“I had the dubious pleasure of playing Phil in an exhibition match a couple of years ago and he gave me a sound walloping. I thought ‘you haven’t changed one bit’. Leopards don’t change their spots do they? The spots maybe somewhat greyer than they were though!
“I never used to like losing to anybody, especially not to Phil. But I got very used to it which is a horrible thing to say. But as did the rest of the world of darts!
With the tournament being likely broadcast on TV as well as hopefully a crowd in person, Anderson spoke of a new contingent set to watch him on TV as well as whether he will be able to reproduce his form of old.
“It’s good to be introduced to a new generation of fans. But there’s also the worry of them saying ‘who’s this silly old fart!’
“The years have rolled by. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to re-produce the form consistently as I used to. But I’ve still got a game in me. Anyone who thinks I haven’t is in for a shock.”
Lots of positivity coming out from FB &Twitter for the World Seniors Darts Champs. It’s been a long time coming, and just what darts people want. I’ll be putting in the practice hours on the board, and giving it my best shot. Cant let @PhilTaylor have it all his own way!
