Awesome Anderson sees off Chisnall challenge to reach World Matchplay second round

Bringing the opening night of action at the World Matchplay to a close, Gary Anderson was victorious over Dave Chisnall, 10-6.

In the final match-up of the opening night at the World Matchplay, it was one of the ties of the round. Dave Chisnall against Gary Anderson. The 2018 Matchplay champion, it was Anderson who seemed to have settled the better, racing into a 2-0 lead thanks in part to a brilliant 120 checkout in leg 2.

Chizzy got on the board in leg 3, and thanks to a three-dart 93 checkout in leg 4 on double 18, it was all square at 2-2. Both players then had a chance to edge in front at the first break before Chisnall finally secured his third straight leg to take the advantage.

In the opening leg of the second session, Chisnall saw three clear darts at double top come and go with Anderson on hand to punish and get back to level terms at 3 apiece. Following those missed doubles, Chizzy went off the boil ever so slightly. Taking advantage of this, Anderson began to really take control of the contest, winning the session 5-0 to heading off into the second interval at 7-3 ahead.

After Chizzy wired the bull for an 81 finish in the 11th leg, it looked as if Anderson was going to go two legs away from the win. The Scotsman passed up two darts at tops though allowing Chisnall to return, mop up 25 and stop the rot.

A lesser spotted double 19 from Anderson saw him get back to three in front and move just two legs away from the second round. Refusing to give up hope though, Chisnall held throw on double 18 to pull back to 8-6, before wiring the double 14 for 8-7. After he missed, Anderson punished however, cleaning up 39 to go one away. Two darts to save his skin came and went for Chizzy and again Anderson was on hand to punish and seal the victory,.