Gary Anderson refrained from openly criticizing Adam Hunt for his questionable tactics during their World Darts Championship match. Anderson, known as the Flying Scotsman, narrowly defeated Hunt 3-2 in the opening round, facing unexpected challenges along the way.
Anderson, a two-time champion at Alexandra Palace, encountered a tough battle against the underdog ranked at No.84 in the world. Hunt managed to take a 2-1 lead in the afternoon session, putting Anderson’s victory in jeopardy before the seasoned player rallied back.
The No.14 seed, who clinched consecutive titles in 2015 and 2016, managed to secure the win despite a dip in his performance midway through the game. The final statistics revealed Anderson’s slight edge with an average of 95.2 compared to Hunt’s 94.47.
While Anderson initially remained diplomatic in his post-match interview with Sky Sports, acknowledging Hunt’s improved performance, he later expressed his discontent during the press conference. Anderson hinted at Hunt’s attempt to engage in mind games and emphasized his extensive experience and expertise in the sport.
When asked about Hunt’s tactics, Anderson left it to interpretation, hinting at his reservations without elaborating further to avoid controversy. He emphasized his focus on playing the game without distractions and unnecessary gamesmanship.
In the upcoming round, Anderson will face the winner between Connor Scutt and Simon Whitlock. Despite the tough match against Hunt, Anderson displayed a competitive performance with a close count of 100+ scores and 180s.
Having last reached the final in 2021, Anderson aims for a comeback, supported by recent victories on the ProTour and European Tour in 2025. A third world title would place him among the elite players in darts history, fueling his determination as he competes in north London.
Expressing his aspirations, Anderson acknowledged the significance of winning another title, highlighting the evolution of darts into a major global sport and the substantial prize money involved. He acknowledged the efforts of darts promoter Barry Hearn in elevating the sport’s status and expressed his desire to secure another championship title.