Van Duijvenbode books semi-final spot with brilliant victory over Anderson as dream World Grand Prix debut continues

Dirk van Duijvenbode is through to the semi-finals of the World Grand Prix on his debut in the double start tournament in Coventry.

The Dutchman produced a fine display to see off Gary Anderson in a 3-1 win and despite being in disbelief following the tie of what he achieved, it was fully deserved.

‘The Titan’ hit 10/21 on his finishing doubles but with 58% on his starting double and 89% opening on his first turn especially on double 16, it was the doubling that got him through against ‘The Flying Scotsman’ who by comparison hit 32% of his starting doubles.

Van Duijvenbode began proceedings by taking out 76 for the opening leg against Anderson and while Anderson survived one missed set dart to make it 2-2, the Dutchman got over the line with a 96 checkout to claim the opening set.

Anderson failed to get away with his opening foray to begin the next set and Van Duijvenbode thumped in double 19 to break and lead in set two.

He followed a 180 with a double 16 to lead once more from there with a hold. Anderson held the deficit but a composed Titan hit a double 18 to take the set and give it all to do to ‘The Flying Scotsman’.

Van Duijvenbode was well ahead on his throw and he set up double 16 from 132 which he pinned to go ahead. On Anderson’s throw, he failed to get off on his first six darts which allowed another break opportunity which the Dutchman took.

He pinned a 180 and Anderson only just got off as two bullseyes left 145. A 72 checkout followed and he was one away from a brilliant win.

Anderson got off straight away on Van Duijvenbode’s throw as finishing line being in sight saw the latter’s double’s desert him.

He was down to 97 with Van Duijvenbode on 155 and the former broke his throw for the first time in the Quarter-Final. A brilliant 180 saw Anderson lay down the gauntlet and Van Duijvenbode replied. Anderson left double 20 and with Van Duijvenbode needing 152, he held throw.

A 160 start from Anderson saw him put early pressure on the throw but it was soon neck and neck. A brilliant 136 set up from Anderson left him on double 20 but Van Duijvenbode missed a 152 for the win on double 16.

This allowed Anderson to hit double 20 last dart in hand to win a set back and prolong the tie for the Dutchman who would now have the doubts in his head.

But Anderson’s confidence deserted him to begin on the starting doubles with it taking three visits for him to get off and running. A 180 and a 53 checkout saw him return to the front and he utilised that claiming a thirteen darter to go one away once more.

Van Duijvenbode was given another shot to attempt to hold and win and Anderson couldn’t get off once more. It was six darts to get away and Van Duijvenbode was seemingly away.

139 left 54 for the Dutchman with Anderson on a bogey number but while he couldn’t pin his next two, he got another shot and he pinned it first time.

World Grand Prix 2020 schedule

Saturday October 10

Dirk van Duijvenbode (94.19) 3-1 (88.02) Gary Anderson (3-2, 3-1, 2-3, 3-1)
Dave Chisnall v Joe Cullen
Michael van Gerwen v Simon Whitlock
Gerwyn Price v Jeffrey de Zwaan