Two-time world champion Gary Anderson is confident he can recapture his best form after erasing the early nerves for a comfortable opening win at Alexandra Palace on Monday night.
The Scot has struggled with a back injury since reaching the last four of the PDC World Championship in London a year ago but dispelled any fears about rustiness with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Brendan Dolan.
Anderson, who threw seven 180s and a 144 checkout, said: “I’ve been playing really well on the practice board but I went up there tonight and I was nowhere near it in the first set because of the nerves.
"But there were good signs. The 180s and 140s are coming back and there were a few moments where I felt in full flow.
“I’ve not had a lot of stage time this year so I’m a bit out of practice and, because of that, I felt so nervous walking on stage.
“I’ve had four days solid on the practice board and I’ve been really happy with the way they’re going so hopefully we will see that come out in the rest of the tournament.”
On Tuesday, Darin Young, who ended Raymond van Barneveld’s career with a first-round 3-1 result, will see if he can continue that run against Jeffrey de Zwaan.
Going into the match, the American said: “I feel good, there’s zero pressure and the sky’s the limit.”
