Gary Anderson refrained from openly criticizing Adam Hunt following their intense World Darts Championship clash marred by Hunt’s questionable tactics. Despite Anderson’s eventual 3-2 victory over Hunt in the first round, the match was far from easy.
Anderson, a two-time champion at Alexandra Palace, faced a tough challenge from the world No.84 as Hunt took a 2-1 lead during the afternoon session, threatening an upset before Anderson rallied back.
The No.14 seed, known for his back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016, managed to secure the win despite a dip in form midway through the match. The final averages depicted Anderson narrowly outperforming the 32-year-old Englishman with a score of 95.2 to Hunt’s 94.47.
While Anderson maintained a diplomatic stance in his initial post-match interview with Sky Sports, praising Hunt’s performance, he later expressed his discontent during the press conference. Anderson highlighted Hunt’s unexpected behavior, insinuating that Hunt resorted to mind games, a tactic Anderson dismissed as ineffective against his extensive experience in the sport.
Looking ahead, Anderson is set to face the winner between Connor Scutt and Simon Whitlock in the upcoming round. Despite the tight match against Hunt, Anderson remains focused on his goal of clinching a third world title, aiming to solidify his legacy alongside renowned darts players like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen.
The tournament holds significant importance for Anderson, who is determined to make a mark and potentially secure another title. With a strong track record on the ProTour and European Tour in 2025, Anderson’s motivation and skill set him apart as a formidable contender in north London.
