30/06/2024

"We're gonna smash up England!" - Scotland's confidence high ahead of mouthwatering World Cup of Darts semi-final

The legendary Scottish duo of Peter Wright and Gary Anderson kept their hopes of more World Cup of Darts glory alive on Sunday afternoon. Despite surviving a scare against Sweden, the Scots safely navigated their way into the semi-finals.

It was a poor start for Scotland and they were suitably punished as Jeffrey de Graaf broke throw and gave them an early 2-1 lead. But Scotland hit back as Sweden's lead grew. Wright and Anderson hit back-to-back 180's as they reduced the arrears to 4-3 down with a superb 11-darter. An 82 and double four from Scotland hoisted the tie back in their favour though as they levelled up at 6-6. But it still went all the way with a 117 checkout from the Scottish pair. But in the decider Sweden couldn't hit 126 and Scotland saved their skin with a 45 checkout.

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Schedule World Cup of Darts 2024: Belgium, England, Scotland and Austria battle for title in Frankfurt on Sunday night

"We kinda struggled," admits Anderson in his post-match interview with Sky Sports on the Frankfurt stage. "I mean, the trebles were a mile off, just the last dart sneaking in. In the last leg when Peter started with a treble I just went; 'Yes! Keep going.' But yeah, we just scraped it."

According to Anderson, this latest performance shows the growing depth of the game worldwide. "Sweden have been excellent, we've seen Italy go out and they've been absolutely fantastic. But, we're still in," he says with a wry smile.

wcod24 l16 scotland 3 2 — Anderson and Wright have once before lifted the World Cup title as a pair

"I was feeling disappointed in myself there, not backing Gary up," admits Wright. "Gary pulled it out the bag and his shoulders must be as big as this stage to carry me! He's just awesome and I love him to bits. He keeps pulling me out of the poo when I'm playing rubbish.

In the semi-finals, Scotland's old rivals England lay in wait. They will need to be better as England sent out a statement earlier on when they took apart Northern Ireland pairing Brendan Dolan and Josh Rock 8-4 with a 98 checkout and a masterclass of finishing. Both Anderson and Wright aren't short on confidence however. "We're gonna smash up England!" Wright proclaims.