A week out from the Auckland Darts Masters, Gary Anderson showed why he will be the man to beat, throwing a rare ‘nine-darter’ during his quarter-final win at the World Matchplay in Blackpool on Thursday (Friday NZ time).
'The Flying Scotsman' threw the perfect fourth leg during his 19-17 epic against Joe Cullen.
He started with back-to-back 180's, before cleaning up the 141 checkout and sending the Winter Gardens crows into a frenzy.
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A nine-darter occurs when you throw nine perfect darts in the requisite trebles and double to check out from 501. It is considered to be the most significant achievement in the sport, maybe akin to a hat-trick in cricket..
Anderson told reporters that he had a feeling he would achieve the feat against Cullen, but admitted it was also a downfall in the match.
"I fancied hitting the nine-darter tonight," revealed Anderson afterwards.
"Hitting the nine-darter so early was actually the worst thing I did, because it gave me time to think about it and I missed a lot more darts at tops than I normally do."
If he nobody else throws a nine-darter for the remainder of the tournament, Anderson will pocket £45,000 (NZ$86,977) for his efforts.
Anderson is already guaranteed at least £30,000 (NZ$57,983) for reaching the semi-finals of the tournament.
New Zealand fans will be hope the two-time world champion can achieve the feat again next week at the Auckland Masters at the Trusts Arena.
Newshub.
