Henderson to defend World Cup of Darts after Anderson blessing: "Gary actually said to us I hope you pick Hendo this year"

John Henderson despite not being close to being the third top ranked player from Scotland anymore will get the opportunity to defend the World Cup of Darts title he won last year with Peter Wright.

This after PDC Chief Executive, Matt Porter revealed that Gary Anderson gave his blessing for Henderson to defend the title.

“Gary actually said to us ‘I hope you pick Hendo this year,” Porter told Online Darts TV. “Gary is a fair bloke and he knows what John did with Peter last year was spectacular. He thought John deserved the opportunity to do it again. Fair play to Gary, fair play to John.

“He’s not the third-ranked Scottish player, I don’t know where he is now, not as high as he’d like to be but, nevertheless, he’s the defending champion. I don’t think you’ll get too many people arguing he doesn’t deserve that opportunity.”

“I think it’s fair that the defending champion gets to come back. If there’s three players keenly contesting for two spots, it could be different.

"On this occasion, I think it’s the right decision. I’m not saying it’s going to be a hard and fast rule going forward.”