Andrew Gilding has denied Michael van Gerwen a fourth UK Open title in dramatic circumstances in Minehead sealing his maiden major title and striking gold in an incredible deciding leg victory.
ADVERTISEMENT
Van Gerwen missed a dart from 102 on double 16 for the match and Gilding would not be denied as he picks up £110,000 and the biggest win of his career.
Van Gerwen led throughout the tie albeit with Gilding missing chance after chance to claim a real foothold in the contest. MVG took out 135 on the bull to double his lead but missed darts saw Gilding go 3-2 up but missed darts prevented him from extending that.
On return from the first break, MVG took command with a 130 checkout on the bull for 6-4 and Gilding's doubles started to desert him as Van Gerwen helped himself to an 8-5 lead.
But he went in 8-7 ahead as he somehow let the leg slip out of his grasp and Gilding made it 9-9 before setting up an unthinkable ending as despite Van Gerwen hitting 170 for 10-9, Gilding sent it all the way before pouncing this time on a missed dart from MVG to hit double 20.
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
GILDING IS THE CHAMPION! 🏆
Andrew Gilding has defied all the odds to beat Michael van Gerwen 11-10 to win the 2023 Cazoo UK Open!
What an incredible story!
#UKOpenDarts