"Just imagine, a part-timer winning a TV tournament!" - Gary Anderson set for Van Gerwen showdown after flying start to Grand Slam of Darts

Gary Anderson started the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts by making a real statement. 'The Flying Scotsman' was an impressive 5-1 winner over Ryan Joyce in his opening match, averaging 113.20.

Although he has been present st all but one of the Grand Slam od Darts' played, Anderson has never failed to make it out of the group stage of the at this tournament. The two-time losing finalist has already taken big steps to get through the group stage this time around too by taking such a dominant win in his first group game.

“That wasn’t bad after 17 years," Anderson laughed in his post-match press conference, noting his incredible Grand Slam of Darts longevity. "If my floor game comes on to the stage, there could be trouble, but what will be will be!"

As touched upon there, Anderson has been particularly impressive on the floor tournaments this whole year. As of yet though, he's yet to bring that form to the big stage. Is this the tournament where it finally clicks? "Just imagine, a part-timer winning a TV tournament! The PDC would be having a nightmare," Anderson laughs. "I think my days of winning silverware might be over, but I'm gonna give it a good bloody go."

If Anderson wants to top his group though, he'll have to overcome old rival Michael van Gerwen, who opened his tournament with a 5-0 win over Noa-Lynn van Leuven. “I love this tournament, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow. It will be a good old tussle against Michael," Anderson concludes.

UK fans can use Sky Sports during the Grand Slam of Darts. As usual, the tournament begins with a group stage with eight pools of four players each. The group stage takes place from Saturday through Tuesday, with all players playing three times.

The top two players from each group will advance to the knockout phase. Starting Wednesday, Nov. 13, the knockout phase will begin with the first matches of the final sixteen. This round will be completed on Thursday, Nov. 14. The quarter-finals will be played on Friday, Nov. 15, and Saturday, Nov. 16, before the semifinals and finals are finished on Sunday, Nov. 17.