DARTS: Gurney loses to world champion Gary Anderson

Daryl Gurney had reigning world champion, Gary Anderson on the ropes in his second round World Darts Championship match at the Alexander Palace on Boxing Day.
Daryl Gurney was knocked out of the World Darts Championships by Gary AndersonDaryl Gurney was knocked out of the World Darts Championships by Gary Anderson
Daryl Gurney was knocked out of the World Darts Championships by Gary Anderson

However in the end the Scotsman broke in the deciding leg of the fifth set to deliver the knockout blow and end Gurney’s hopes of a major upset.

The 29-year-old lost 4-1 in the end but it was a lot closer than the scoreline would suggest.

In fact, the Waterside man, who averaged 96.4 and hit nine maximums, missed chances to win both the first and third sets and could have held a 3-0 lead had he checked out.

Anderson looked to be in no mood to hang around, hitting seven perfect darts from the start as he threatened a nine-dart finish.

But despite breaking Gurney’s throw in the first leg, the Anderson was plagued by double trouble as he allowed the Gurney back into the set.

Gurney hit an 85 checkout in the deciding leg to take the opening set as Anderson hit just two of his eight shots at a double.

Both men averaged over 100 in the first set and the high standard continued into the second.

It was Gurney who struck first with a 139 checkout to break throw, but Anderson hit back with a 170 finish.

Gurney missed a dart at double 16 to take a two-set lead and a grateful Anderson moved in to win the deciding leg of the second set to level the match at 1-1.

The third set followed a similar pattern as it went all the way to a fifth leg once again. It proved to be the end of Gurney’s resistance and Anderson averaged 102.41 in taking the fourth set 3-1.

Anderson sealed a hard-fought win and booked his place in the last 16.