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"I've already proven I can win a major, so I don't have to take that hurdle again" - Andrew Gilding dreams of new UK Open triumph
PDCFriday, 01 March 2024 at 12:00
The UK Open gets underway today at Butlin's Minehead Resort. Andrew Gilding starts the tournament as the defending champion, after he surprisingly beat Michael van Gerwen 11-10 in the final last year.
Gilding had also reached the semi-finals of this PDC major in 2015. "I really don't know what it is about this tournament that brings out the best in me," said the 53-year-old Englishman, who hopes to become the fourth player ever to successfully defend his title at the UK Open. Previously, Phil Taylor, Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen accomplished that feat.
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"It was incredible last year. I wasn't very confident in my form, so to take the title was a dream come true. It still feels very surreal. People say to me, 'No one can ever take that away from you.' The trophy is still next to me in the living room!"
Gilding is looking forward to being announced as reigning champion by Master of Ceremonies John McDonald. "It will be a new experience for me as reigning champion, but hopefully that experience can help me as I move into the later stages of the tournament.
"I've proven that I can win a major, so I don't have to face that hurdle again. It can make sure I can play in exciting matches with a little extra confidence."
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- Gingers....I guess these Gingers have something about ugly fatties......richieburnettrocks22-12-2024
- A shill..... People are so naive, where is this supposed grandad etc etc etcrichieburnettrocks22-12-2024
- Barney should completely stop playing darts, his legacy has long long gone. Maybe the new wife insists on an expensive lifestyle, if so, take up commentating or presenting. Forget playing.richieburnettrocks22-12-2024
- Assume the meat and eggs are cooked in the butter? Ketogenic diet seems to work if you’re well overweight though need to keep an eye on cholesterol. Add some fish like salmon.Mysstree21-12-2024
- Just curious, why clearly a plant?Matilda6220-12-2024
- Kris...whatever is name is, is clearly a plant. Completely bogus.richieburnettrocks20-12-2024
- Pay a sizeable chunk off the mortgage for sure and buy Grandad something nice for Christmas.Mysstree19-12-2024
- No chance. His throw is all staccato. It is forced. Not natural.medinabello19-12-2024
- More roid rage than nonsenserichieburnettrocks18-12-2024
- Even the wild crowd went easy on him... we really have gone soft in this country. He should now play in the men's events and try and recover a smidgen of respect, rather than take advantage of the women's game.MrYnyslas197118-12-2024