PDC World Darts Championship Round-up | Gary Anderson avoids seismic upset vs Adam Hunt in comeback victory while Andrew Gilding fends off Crabtree

Two-time world champion Gary Anderson did not have it all his way in the PDC World Darts Championship first round matchup. He came from behind to fend off a defiant Adam Hunt 3-2.

It may be surprising to see Anderson in an afternoon session for his first match. It is only the second time this has occurred at the PDC World Darts Championship following the 2021 event. He began it slowly, struggling to get his eye in on the doubles. Hunt was more clinical in the early stages with both players scoring well and averaging near to a ton. The last two legs saw Anderson produce some quality. He took out 120 to stay in the first set before an 11-darter completed by a 96 checkout snuck him ahead of the player he used to sponsor.

Anderson would make it three on the spin before taking out 120 for the second time to go 2-1 ahead. The Hunter brought the set all square before levelling in sets. Anderson spurned a dart on tops to double his advantage as Hunt penalised him on the same target.

Hunt had a golden opportunity to take a 2-0 lead in the third set but squandered two darts on the outer ring. Anderson escaped on double two but was under the cosh. Nevertheless, he brilliantly turned his fortunes around despite a huge disparity in quality on show. He then had two darts for a 2-1 lead, but they were wasted. These would be regretted as Hunt produced some good darts to win the next two legs and claim the third set.

It was a good reply from Anderson as he took a 2-0 lead. Hunt broke back to put the pressure on but Anderson used his experience to pin the bull for an 88 outshot and level up to force a tense fifth and final set. After going 1-0 down, Anderson managed to find a hugely vital break before ending up on double three for the match. It could have been a massive upset on the Ally Pally stage but the two-time world champion ploughs on.

Andrew Gilding flew out of the blocks but ended up stumbling over the line in an impressive 3-1 victory over Cam Crabtree. It was not the start Crabtree would have hoped for on his debut at Ally Pally. Gilding ran away with the first set in commanding fashion. A 15-darter break was followed by a hold after Crabtree missed three doubles to break back. Goldfinger then took put 76 to breeze to the first set.

The second set produced more of the same. Crabtree came out on positive form, missing a double for a 12-darter. Gilding would make him pay before a similar outcome the next leg occurred. Shazam came close for a 154 outshot but never had the chance to clean up as Gilding pinned double 18 for a 116 checkout. He made it six from six in the next leg, doubling his lead and leaving Crabtree in his dust.

It looked like the former UK Open champion had the match in his grasp, but Crabtree was not going down without a fight. After the 55-year-old took out a show-stopping 161 checkout, he missed a match dart on double seven. A leg later he missed another one on double 12. This target was found by Crabtree moments after missing double 16 for a 132 checkout. Out of nothing he was back in the match.

This resurection was very short lived as Gilding would finally manage to fend off Crabtree. This was via another five missed match darts but the job was complete by Gilding who produced one of his finest matches in the World Championship.

Luke Woodhouse finished the stronger in a close match between him and Boris Krcmar, surviving set darts to win 3-1. Both players would have a chance to clinch the first set. Krcmar would miss six darts around the board before Woody finally found double four to force a decider. He would then miss a dart at the bull to snatch the set away from the big Croatian. Krcmar would not make another mistake, finding the bull for a 121 to race in front.

Woodhouse reacted well to this frustrating setback. He took out 110 as the highlight of three consecutive legs which levelled the match. The third set was hugely crucial. Krcmar had the advantage of it being on throw and utilised it when it went the distance. A distinctively average leg from Woodhouse allowed Krcmar to streak ahead, but six missed set darts allowed Woodhouse to claw his way back and swipe the set away from the hands of his opponent.

He was unable to back this positive momentum up, missing seven darts amid Krcmar messing around on the board. The Croation managed to get over the line but would not win another leg from this point. Woodhouse successfully closed the match out, cruising to victory in what he disclosed as a very nervy matchup. That will not matter as he advances into the second round.

David Davies marked his debut at Ally Pally with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Mario Vandenbogaerde. The first set consisted of holds for both players, with Davies looking the livelier as he missed the bull for a 126 and 124 checkout. In a decider for the set, he snuck ahead and found double four to take the advantage.

Davies then started to run away with it. He won all three legs in the second set. Two came with 16-darters on tops before a 77 outshot in two showcased the positive form he was enjoying. He would make it six legs on the spin as he moved within one of defeating his opponent. However, a tour card was on the line for Super Mario, and he was not going to let it go easily. The Belgian levelled the tie before a dramatic ending to the match saw both players miss numerous darts at double. Davies missed five darts to wrap up the tie, while Vandenbogaerde in turn squandered six on the outer ring to stay in it. Davies finally got over the line on double two and will face off against the world champion and number one Luke Littler in the second round.