Gary Anderson surged to five straight legs to see off Justin Pipe to conclude the opening night of the World Matchplay and to set up a tie with fellow former champion James Wade.
Anderson admitted though afterwards that he struggled with the lack of crowd and the crowd noise but is glad to have the darts back.
"It's different, we're used to a bit of the banter; you have the crowd really wanting Justin (Pipe) to win, the crowd really wanting me to win. It's a bit strange but we got there in the end," said Anderson post-match to
Online Darts.
"I struggled with it, we've got to get on with but darts is on and that's all that matters."
On potentially going under the radar in front of the likes of Van Gerwen and Wright, Anderson admitted it isn't about that anymore and that he is thinking more now about life after darts.
"I'm passed caring, I'm getting to the stage now I've enjoyed it. Do I still enjoy it, yes or I wouldn't be here, is the heart 100%, maybe not.
Am I going to do this until I'm 55/60, no, I ain't going to spend the rest of my life living in hotels and playing darts, I've got things to do I've got a young family. We'll see what happens."
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