Anderson ahead of beginning World Matchplay defence against Noppert: 'I'm looking forward to getting back up on the stage'

Gary Anderson will start his World Matchplay campaign later against Danny Noppert in one of the ties of the first round and ahead of it he has said how much he's looking forward to being on the Winter Gardens stage again.

Anderson also spoke of his preparation for the tournament saying that he's been taking things easier and that in his opinion it has done him the world of good. He added that despite him not having a lot of preparation that for him his body's good.

"I'm looking forward to getting back up on the stage, but it might take a while for me to get my consistency back so I'm not putting too much pressure on myself," said Anderson.

"I've been taking things easier recently, it's done me the world of good and I've also managed to drop a couple of stone thanks to my diet.

"I've not had the long match play to see how the back stands up so it will be interesting. Everyone knows I've not played much but my body's good.

"The venue at Blackpool is absolutely brilliant - all the fans are jammed in and it's always a top atmosphere."