"He's been my idol since I was 14": Jeffrey de Graaf in dreamland after dumping out hero Gary Anderson in seismic shock

Jeffrey de Graaf is through to the third round after dumping out Gary Anderson at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship in straight sets on a night of shocks.

It was not only a shock to those watching but also De Graaf who earmarked Anderson as his idol and that he didn't expect to have a chance himself.

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"It's a dream come true. He's been my idol since I was 14 years old. What he's capable of is unbelievable. He didn't really show up today, I got my chances and I took them immediately. I'm very happy with this win," said De Graaf post match.

"I felt like that's the part I needed to show (doubles) because I know if his scoring part is on I can't follow him. So like If I'm going to get a chance it's probably from the doubles so I've been practicing that all evening."

He also spoke about Nebrida winning and said he never expected Smith not to come back.

"I did see that he lost (Ross Smith) but I still felt like he was going to come back. When he lost I didn't expect that to happen either."

But he also said he didn't expect to win against Anderson either. "It's beating the idol on this stage. When I was with Target, they asked me who did you want to meet (in a match), most people say Phil Taylor I knew that wasn't an option anymore. Gary Anderson for me, it's the biggest game of my life."

"Even I didn't expect to win so I felt play your own game, play your own game and make it tight."

"It is an opportunity, Ross Smith beat me in Grand Slam qualifier. He's out. It is a chance but Nebrida's here after Christmas. So I have to play my A game to beat him."