Gary Anderson has been eradicated from the World Darts Championship within the greatest upset of the event to date.
The 2-time world champion was knocked out within the second spherical by Jeffrey de Graaf in straight units at Alexandra Palace.
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The Flying Scotsman, seeded 14th at Ally Pally, got here into the event in superb type and was heavy favorite to come back out victorious in his second spherical conflict with the Swedish star.
However Anderson, a two-time world champion, struggled and was overwhelmed 3-0 in a shock outcome.
That is the primary time Anderson, who’s celebrating his 54th birthday on Sunday, has misplaced his opening match at a World Championship.
To date within the 2025 championship, it is not been a great 12 months for the seeds.
Out of 23 seeds who’ve taken to the stage at Ally Pally to date, 11 of them have been knocked out of the competitors.
De Graaf, who’s 81st on the earth rankings, deserves enormous credit score having made an electrical begin to the competition earlier than retaining management all through.
Reflecting on his win, De Graaf mentioned: “It is nice. Gary did not actually present up as he often does. I am very proud of the win.
“I received very nervous after the primary set after which at 2-0, I used to be like, ‘what’s going on now?'”
Ending the match with a doubles share of 75, De Graaf continued: “That is what I must do to win.
“I used to be additionally fortunate within the second set when he missed quite a lot of doubles, it was a aid. He began the third set rather well.”
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The Swedish star added: “It has been one of the best 12 months, undoubtedly. I am simply blissful to be there to maintain on going.”
For Anderson, the defeat will probably be bitterly disappointing after a constructive 12 months.
Coming into 2024 ranked no.27, semi-final placings within the Grand Slam Of Darts and the World Cup Of Darts noticed him transfer as much as 14th on the earth.
Going through somebody 67 locations behind him within the rankings, the Scottish star will probably be ruing an enormous missed alternative as he seemed to enhance on final 12 months’s fourth spherical end.