"Next time I won't be so nervous" - Andrew Gilding vows to get nine-darter after wiring D12 in thrilling World Matchplay win over Damon Heta

Andrew Gilding dug deep into his reserves of mental strength to edge out Damon Heta in a gripping World Matchplay first-round clash – but while the crowd were on the edge of their seats, ‘Goldfinger’ insisted it wasn’t quite the same experience from his perspective in post-match comments to Dartsnews.com.

"I'm sure it wasn't so much of a thriller for me as it was for you," Gilding smiled after the match, reflecting on a seesaw battle where breaks of throw were traded relentlessly.

It was the kind of topsy-turvy encounter that might have unravelled him earlier in his career, but the 55-year-old’s composure and resilience came to the fore under the Blackpool lights. "A few years ago I would have crumbled already," he admitted. "Now I'm getting so much experience under my belt that those sort of things I can handle now."

Gilding’s form at the Matchplay continues a strong season in which he’s already made multiple semi-finals on the tour – something he views as a sign of welcome consistency. "Consistency is good. I've made at least two semi-finals this year. I'm torn, so that's good – keeps me in the TV tournaments."

Since stunning the darting world by winning the UK Open in 2023, Gilding has become a mainstay inside the PDC’s top 32. But he’s never looked too far ahead, even after lifting his first major title. "I'm happy to just be up there in the top 32. I never expected it to be a springboard. I've kept it up a little bit – not so bad."

Asked where this Matchplay win ranks in his list of televised performances, Gilding said: "Obviously, the UK Open is the best. This must be second best – I can’t remember. I played Van Gerwen ten years ago in the UK Open semi-finals and played out of my skin, averaged 108. I always like to put on a thrill."

While the victory over Heta was impressive in its own right, Gilding’s moment of magic came as he found himself just a double 12 away from a perfect leg – only for the nerves to kick in at the wrong time. "I knew my heart was beating," he laughed. "I so badly want that gold nine-dart pin. I've got a few silver ones and I want the gold one so badly. Next time I won't be quite so nervous."

Despite his low-key demeanour, Gilding’s performances have begun to win him cult hero status among darts fans – and he’s clearly enjoying the attention. "I love to turn around when I hear my name – it just puts a smile on my face every time."

However, the veteran remains pragmatic about his prospects. Asked whether he dreams of going further than last year’s quarter-final run in Blackpool, his response was typically grounded. "Not yet. I'll win the next game – that's my dream. Then I'll have to win another one after I get to the semi-finals," Gilding explains. "I never think past the next game. I don't think it's a very good idea to do that."

Gilding also opened up about the challenges of pacing himself in longer matches – something he learned the hard way during last year’s quarter-final loss to Michael van Gerwen. "Yes, I'll be ready for that. I'll take something sweet in the rest area to keep me going because I ran out of energy."

In fact, he revealed that even on the day of this year’s opener, he hadn’t felt right physically until moments before stepping on stage. "I woke up feeling really bad all the way up until I started playing. I felt rubbish and didn't know what I was going to do. You don't know what's going to happen – it could be another good performance."

While many players would prefer a comfortable victory to start the tournament, Gilding wasn’t sure whether a close game actually helped him. "I don't know really," he shrugged. "At least it shows I can keep up with a long game. I did have a good breakfast this morning, so I'll do that again next time."

Now into the second round, Gilding is well aware that the margins are fine and the competition fierce – but he believes experience will be key to pushing even deeper in major events. "I think it's just experience. You have to go through it now just to get used to it. There's no escape there."

He still sees himself as something of a work in progress on the big stage, despite that UK Open title and multiple runs to the business end of European events. "Yes, I suppose so. I won the UK Open in 23, but that was just one time. I've made a couple of European finals. That will all add up in the end. I don't care – I’ll just keep going."

And as for suggestions that darts is now a young man's game? "As long as I'm not the oldest person in the tournament – because Barney's still in – I've got a couple more years in."

With Gilding’s unique blend of calm, charm, and quiet determination, few would bet against him creating more memorable moments in Blackpool this week.