Here’s a report of the action for you to digest …
… which means that’s about all from me. As ever, many thanks for reading. Bye!
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A bit of housekeeping for you … there were 42 180s which is comfortably a record. These two really have taken darts to the next level.
And in a minute or two, Van Gerwen is going to be officially presented with the trophy he’s already hoisted. Twice. First though, Sky Sports reverts to full montage mode.
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A teary Van Gerwen seizes the trophy again, this time at the instruction of Dave Clark …
MvG doesn't bother waiting to be presented with the trophy, grabbing it off the plinth instead. Superb.
— Daniel Harris (@DanielHarris) January 2, 2017
“That was a bit said to be fair, you always get people like that, they try to be funny. He wanted to give me the trophy but you’re not allowed to do that,” says Van Gerwen of the invader.
Anderson is phlegmatic in defeat: “The year that this man has had, it’s been a walk in the park for him. It’s well deserved but I’ve had a good three years, the crowd has been fantastic and we’ve had a good couple of weeks.”
Van Gerwen is relishing his moment. In truth he was far too good for Anderson, who really did pay the price for failing to go 3-1 up in sets. The Dutchman’s form when streaking clear of the two-times defending champion was out of this world. A worthy champion indeed.
“I feel absolutely over the moon,” says Van Gerwen. “I’m a very happy man at the moment.”
Van Gerwen wins the World Darts Championship!
Tenth set: Van Gerwen 0-1 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 6-3 in sets): Van Gerwen is back to within one leg again. Oooosh, that’s ominous, a 180 from Van Gerwen but Anderson responds with one of his own! He may need 134 to stay in the match though. He can’t do it so Van Gerwen has 85 for the title, make that bullseye … AND HE NAILS IT!
Tenth set: Van Gerwen 2-2 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 6-3 in sets): The crowd are bellowing Anderson’s name. And a timely 140 puts a bit of pressure on Van Gerwen’s throw. As does another 180 for Anderson. Van Gerwen checks out on 100 though – his fifth three-figure finish.
Tenth set: Van Gerwen 1-2 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 6-3 in sets): It’s another 180 for Anderson though. And another for Van Gerwen. Woof! Anderson needs 103 to take this leg. Not this time. Van Gerwen needs 124 to move to the brink. But he can’t find it and Anderson takes the leg with tops.
Tenth set: Van Gerwen 1-1 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 6-3 in sets): Van Gerwen responds the only way he knows how, with a maximum. Van Gerwen needs 87 for this leg and needs just two darts for an 11-dart leg. Emphatic.
Tenth set: Van Gerwen 0-1 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 6-3 in sets): He couldn’t, could he? Anderson has the darts. And he racks up another maximum. Van Gerwen seems rattled by that invader and Anderson is all of a sudden hitting his doubles!
Anderson wins the ninth set to trail 6-3!
Ninth set: Van Gerwen 2-3 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 6-2 in sets): So Van Gerwen has the darts and needs to close out this leg for his second world title. Anderson is going down swinging though with 180 No17. And another! What a champion! Anderson needs 81. And he nails it. THAT IS DARTS AT ITS FINEST!
Ninth set: Van Gerwen 2-2 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 6-2 in sets): Anderson has the arrows. And his 16th 180 takes him to 125. He’s left himself 40 but Van Gerwen is nowhere in this leg. Maybe not after a 180. Anderson misses three darts at tops so Van Gerwen has 115 for the title. It’s not going to be this time, and after a brief interlude for a stage invader, we’re back. And Anderson hits double five.
Ninth set: Van Gerwen 2-1 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 6-2 in sets): Ooosh. And a 180 from Anderson.But Van Gerwen needs 148. Anderson needs 120. He’s got one shot at tops, but misses. Van Gerwen has double four and takes the leg on double two. Van Gerwen is one leg away now.
Ninth set: Van Gerwen 1-1 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 6-2 in sets): Anderson to throw first. He’s left himself 130 and has six darts at it. He’s left himself 40 … and gets it. So we’re level in the set at one apiece.
Ninth set: Van Gerwen 1-0 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 6-2 in sets): Van Gerwen has the darts. And van Gerwen opens up with his 16th 18. 100 from Anderson. 44 from Van Gerwen though, and a 180 from Anderson. 51 from Van Gerwen. Chance. Anderson has 140 to finish but can only manage 60. He’ll be back though. 80 then. 20, 20, 20 … so Van Gerwen needs 145. Anderson is back, AGAIN. He needs 20. And doesn’t get it. He’s gone. And Van Gerwen comes back to win the leg with double three.
Van Gerwen wins the eighth set to lead 6-2!
Eighth set: Van Gerwen 3-1 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 5-2 in sets): Van Gerwen starts with 180. Of course he does. And just misses another. The Dutchman is streets ahead in this leg and has six darts at 100. He needs three and he needs just one more set for victory. It’s becoming a procession.
Eighth set: Van Gerwen 2-1 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 5-2 in sets): It’s when Anderson is in the 200s that things aren’t really going his way. But he’s left himself with 104. No three figure finish for him yet. Now is a good time to start … nope. He misses double 12. Van Gerwen needs 75 … and he hits double 12. And that’s the story of this match.
Eighth set: Van Gerwen 1-1 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 5-2 in sets): Anderson hits his first maximim for a while. And follows up with 140. Van Gerwen needs 76 though and requires just two darts … ruthless.
Eighth set: Van Gerwen 0-1 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 5-2 in sets): Anderson with the darts. If there is to be any comeback now is the time to start Gary … 100 to start. Van Gerwen is just relentless at the moment but Anderson has his nose in front in this leg. But visits of 40 and then 45 are not good enough. He’s in trouble again. Van Gerwen has 72 to break again. 16, 16, but he misses tops. Anderson needs 117. Ooouch. He misses tops as well. But Van Gerwen misses three darts at 40 … but Anderson misses three darts at 20!!!!! Van Gerwen needs double one … and misses. Yikes. Anderson finally hits double two to hold. And breathe.
An email from Simon McMahon …
Anderson on the ropes here. It will take a superhuman effort for him to win from here. He might still be Ali, but it appears he’s facing George Foreman and Larry Holmes now.
Van Gerwen wins seventh set to lead 5-2!
Seventh set: Van Gerwen 3-0 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 4-2 in sets): The Touré brothers are back. Van Gerwen has 125 for the set. Of course he does. Van Gerwen is threatening to race away with this and burst a number of blood vessels in the process.
Seventh set: Van Gerwen 2-0 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 4-2 in sets): Anderson begins with a 180. The commentators are saying there is no ceiling to how good the darts can be … hmmm. Van Gerwen is about to break again though, double 16 again … Yep. The Dutchman has won 10 of the last 11 legs.
Seventh set: Van Gerwen 1-0 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 4-2 in sets): Van Gerwen has the bit between the teeth now. He has the darts and requires 47 wih Anderson not on a finish. He can’t do it but he’ll be back. Anderson bounces out. Typical. Van Gerwen hits double 32 at the second attempt.
Van Gerwen wins the sixth set to lead 4-2!
Sixth set: Van Gerwen 3-1 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 3-2 in sets): Van Gerwen is throwing for the set. And piles it on with a 140. Anderson replies in kind. But Van Gerwen has 161 for the set. No dice so Anderson has 124 but it’s just not happening for the champ and Van Gerwen checks out in style on 64.
Sixth set: Van Gerwen 2-1 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 3-2 in sets): Van Gerwen hits 180 No2. Anderson does the same. This MC’s “180” is just fantastic. Anderson has 81. Oh, bends the wire but he misses double six. Van Gerwen pinches the leg with double eight.
Sixth set: Van Gerwen 1-1 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 3-2 in sets): A timely 140 from Anderson but Van Gerwen responds with a 180 to leave 48. 16, double 16. Simples.
Sixth set: Van Gerwen 0-1 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 3-2 in sets): Van Gerwen has won the last five sets – Anderson is clearly rattled but has the darts and must respond. Scrappy start but Van Gerwen has a chance to make it six in a row. Van Gerwen leaves himself 84 and will be back. Hits the treble but misses two darts at double 12. Oosh. That was a vital double tops for Anderson and he’s back in the groove.
Van Gerwen wins the fifth set to lead 3-2!
Fifth set: Van Gerwen 3-0 Anderson (2-2 in sets): Anderson hits 137 after 57 from Van Gerwen. But manages only 60 on his next visit. Another maximum from Van Gerwen, who has 130 for the set. Not this time. 164 for Anderson. 140 but Van Gerwen checks out at 65 and it’s the fifth set in double quick time.
Fifth set: Van Gerwen 2-0 Anderson (2-2 in sets): Anderson surely must hold this set to stop Van Gerwen opening up a big lead. Van Gerwen applies pressure with a maximum … 136 for Anderson. Nope. So 94 for Van Gerwen to break. And he’s done it with tops.
Fifth set: Van Gerwen 1-0 Anderson (2-2 in sets): Van Gerwen to throw first. How much will Anderson dwell on that missed opportunity? Van Gerwen is bouncing to oche. But that’s a timely maximim for Anderson who has 128 to break. Bullseye for it – nope. Van Gerwen needs 68 to hold, teble 20 but no dice on double four or double two. Anderson needs 35. 15, misses double 10 and misses double five! Van Gerwen nails double one to hold.
Van Gerwen wins the fourth set to level at 2-2!
Fourth set: Van Gerwen 3-2 Anderson (Anderson leads 2-1 in sets): 361 plays 362. Wow. 171 for Anderson just when he needed something. Van Gerwen hits back with 180. Anderson needs 132, not this time. Van Gerwen has 86 to break back. Oh my! He’s done it. And he’s pretty happy about it! Anderson could have opened some daylight there but Van Gerwen loves that kind of finish. Game on.
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Fourth set: Van Gerwen 2-2 Anderson (Anderson leads 2-1 in sets): Van Gerwen with the darts and he’s left himself 170. This one looks like ANOTHER fifth leg … only 58 for the Dutchman but Anderson is nowhere. 112 for Van Gerwen, nope, it’s now 32. And Anderson is now down to 78. Van Gerwen eventually comes through.
Fourth set: Van Gerwen 1-2 Anderson (Anderson leads 2-1 in sets): Anderson is looking good here. 140 leaves him 222, make that 124. What can Van Gerwen do, not much with 95. Anderson needs 124 … but takes 84 with Van Gerwen struggling. Struggling but then nailing a 180. Anderson hits tops though so he leads again.
Fourth set: Van Gerwen 1-1 Anderson (Anderson leads 2-1 in sets): A 180 from Van Gerwen, he looks visibly cross, and he should hold this one at least. He’s left himself 40, Anderson is toiling at 249. Van Gerwen nails tops. One apiece.
Fourth set: Van Gerwen 0-1 Anderson (Anderson leads 2-1 in sets): Anderson is flying and opens with a 180. Anderson needs 40 for an all important hold but before that Van Gerwen has 170. He hits both trebles … but misses the bull. Anderson hits tops with his second effort so the champ holds.
Anderson wins the third set to lead 2-1!
Third set: Van Gerwen 2-3 Anderson (1-1 in sets): Van Gerwen to throw for the set. Both are averaging more than 107 at present. Van Gerwen has 208, Anderson 161. That’s a finish but not any more after a poor first dart. Van Gerwen has 74 for the set … No! He just misses his double and Anderson nails double 12 to pinch the set! Woof!
Third set: Van Gerwen 2-2 Anderson (1-1 in sets): Anderson begins with a 180. Van Gerwen with a 177. Then a 174 from the Dutchman. The nine-darter is still on. He needs 150 … Hits the treble 20 but misses the treble 18 and Anderson holds his nerve.
Third set: Van Gerwen 2-1 Anderson (1-1 in sets): Anderson is reeling a bit. Not hitting his trebles in this leg. 140. Better from Anderson but Van Gerwen will have 130 to hold. And six darts at it. He’s down to double eight but he’s wide. Van Gerwen is back at 16, then eight, but nails double four with his third dart.
Third set: Van Gerwen 1-1 Anderson (1-1 in sets): 83 from Anderson – he’s not starting that well – and Van Gerwen nails a maximum. Almost another but it’s 140 for Van Gerwen. 149, just like that for Van Gerwen, who has three darts at 32 to break back. Second time lucky and we’re back on through. That was some reply.
Third set: Van Gerwen 0-1 Anderson (1-1 in sets): Van Gerwen with the arrows – 58 is not a good start. 140 from Anderson and the pressure is on the Dutchman. 59 opens the door for the champ. Anderson has left himself 170 to finish. No dice. Van Gerwen has 110 to save but misses double 16 so Anderson has 52 to steal … and does it. That’s our first break.
Both players are averaging 107 after two sets, yet it feels like they haven’t hit top gear yet. That was a huge last dart from Anderson to take the second set. Van Gerwen blew him away with a furious start in the Grand Prix final in October, eventually winning 5-2, and there was a danger the same thing would have happened had Van Gerwen broken to go 2-0 up.
Anderson wins the second set to level the match at 1-1!
Second set: Van Gerwen 2-3 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 1-0 in sets): Anderson opens with 60, not great, but he hits back with a 180. His sixth. A 140 leaves Anderson 121 for the set, but a 180 from Van Gerwen piles on the pressure. Anderson can’t do it so Van Gerwen has 84 for the set, but he slips into the treble nine rather than 14. So Anderson has 80. He doesn’t leave much room for double tops but he squeezes dart No3 in! It’s all square.
Second set: Van Gerwen 2-2 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 1-0 in sets): If the crowd are to be believed, the Touré brothers are on the oche. Van Gerwen has left himself 90 and should be fine with Anderson on 141. Bull, misses tops, hits tops.
Second set: Van Gerwen 1-2 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 1-0 in sets): Yet another 180 for Anderson, Van Gerwen would have done likewise but for a deflection. Anderson looks certain to hold, down to 62 after nine darts but that’s a costly missed four. Van Gerwen has 146 to pinch it but just misses his second dart so Anderson is relieved to hold.
Second set: Van Gerwen 1-1 Anderson (Van Gerwen leads 1-0): Anderson is down to 161 on Van Gerwen’s throw but it’s a tall order. The Dutchman will have to check out on 116 though … Anderson has left himself 40. Van Gerwen nails it! Wow!
Second set: Van Gerwen 0-1 Anderson: Anderson throws first, 97 to open up. Woof. Maximum for Van Gerwen but 58 at his next visit. Anderson is under pressure with Van Gerwen down to 124. Single 20, treble 18 but he misses the bull. Anderson needs 105 to hold. One shot at double 14, but he drags it. Ooosh, but Van Gerwen misses his three darts at 25. Anderson has double seven for the leg and he gets it on his third dart.
Van Gerwen takes the first set!
First set: Van Gerwen 3-2 Anderson: 43 for Van Gerwen to start. The door opens for Anderson but he replies with 40. Both darters exchange 140s. Then Van Gerwen nails his second 180. He’s on a finish of 138, he has six darts at it so ends up with 36. Anderson piles on the pressure with another 180 but Van Gerwen nails his double at the first attempt. First blood to the world No1.
First set: Van Gerwen 2-2 Anderson: Another maximum for Anderson. He’s got one in every leg so far! Anderson moves to 81 after nine darts. Another 11-dart leg on the cards. Oooh. Needing double four he slips into the single but he’ll be coming back. Double two … double one … got it.
First set: Van Gerwen 2-1 Anderson: Van Gerwen begins with his first 180 of the night, and he’s moved to 135. He’ll have three darts at it at least but Anderson is on a finish. Tops for the leg … too low. Anderson needs 164 but misses his treble. Van Gerwen is left on 20, single 10 but double five and it’s on throw.
First set: Van Gerwen 1-1 Anderson: Anderson responds with a 140 to open up. Makes that two of them. Anderson is comfortably ahead here, and registers another 180. He’s got plenty of darts at 41 … and he needs two. 11 for Anderson in total there.
First set: Van Gerwen 1-0 Anderson: Van Gerwen throws first with a solid 100. 99 from Anderson. Already close. First 180 from Anderson but he can’t check out at 163. So Van Gerwen goes at 122 – and it’s there with the bull.
Here we go!
Anderson is out first … the MC is giving it beans. He comes out to House of Pain’s “Jump Around” – of course he does. Van Gerwen swiftly follows, to a few boos, to the riff from Pink Floyd’s “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” and then “Seven Nation Army”. Hmmm. No doubting the crowd are with the Flying Scotsman.
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Niall, who was in the chair I’m currently occupying 12 months ago, has made his prediction. Thoughts?
Prediction: MVG wins 7-4, and a nine-darter #lovethedarts
— Niall McVeigh (@niallmcveigh) January 2, 2017
Wayne Mardle and co are waxing lyrical about Van Gerwen’s performance against Barney last night, and they have every right to. As Mardle points out, Anderson is averaging 104 for the tournament so far, Van Gerwen 106. Both are likely to top that tonight.
I will stop embedding tweets soon … but this tickled me.
— Andy Ha (@_AndyHa) January 2, 2017
Excitement x 10 …
HERE. WE. GO 👊🏼🔥👊🏼🔥#WHDarts pic.twitter.com/iImqjkTjCt
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 2, 2017
Simon McMahon has this to say … wise words indeed.
Evening Gerard. The contest between these two darting heavyweights is like the tungsten version of The Rumble in The Jungle, with MVG as George Foreman, seemingly unbeatable, and The Flying Scotsman as Ali, trying for one last shot at glory.
It’s hard to see even the brilliant Anderson beating Mighty Mike, but we all know what happened in Zaire. The heart says Anderson, the head says Van Gerwen. Let’s hope it’s a classic, whoever wins. The Finalé at the Pally?
Not long to go now … Sky Sports is in full montage mode.
MvG v Anderson | This #WHDarts World Champs Final could NOT be set up more perfectly - Dan and Jamie explain why......... 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/3hHy9RH52Y
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 2, 2017
Here’s an update from our man on the ground at Ally Pally.
Darts fans live by a different calendar. The new year doesn’t begin until the end of the World Championship. It’s New Year’s Eve at Alexandra Palace, with an atmosphere to match: everybody is high on life, booze (there will be a few existential incidents in offices around England tomorrow), Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond – and especially the prospect of a World Championship final between Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson. Unlike most New Year’s Eves, this surely can’t be an anti-climax. These two usually bring out the best in each other, and a high-speed thriller is on the cards. Even if one player runs away with it, the likelihood is they will have produced a legendary performance to do so. If it’s an anti-climax, I’ll eat my bobble hat.
First email of the night award goes to JR in Illinois …
Hey Gerard,
One very nice thing about darts is that you know no referee is going to ruin the match <cough> MIKE DEAN <cough>
This one’s going to be a barn burner and a bean blower. Not long now...
No more football references, I promise. Proper sport this …
Dogs and darts … what’s not to like?
Amazing 😂😂😂 dog chasing after darts pic.twitter.com/74iEAEB2Tz
— TungstenDarts (@TungstenDarts) January 9, 2016
Let’s familiarise ourselves with both finalists’ route to tonight shall we?
Michael van Gerwen
First Round
3-0 v Kim Viljanen
Second Round
4-2 v Cristo Reyes
Third Round
4-1 v Darren Webster
Quarter-Final
5-1 v Daryl Gurney
Semi-Final
6-2 v Raymond van Barneveld
Gary Anderson
First Round
3-0 v Mark Frost
Second Round
4-0 v Andrew Gilding
Third Round
4-2 v Benito van de Pas
Quarter-Final
5-3 v Dave Chisnall
Semi-Final
6-3 v Peter Wright
For the anorak’s out there, feast your eyes upon these little beauties.
Stats @SkySportsDarts
— Dave Clark (@DaveClarkTV) January 2, 2017
39,582 darts thrown
666 x 180's
4x 170 c/o
114.05 high av
66,000 fans
100+ c/o 161
100+ av 24
1/2 million pints sold
Hello world! 2017 is merely hours old but already we have the first seismic sporting event of the year to feast upon. This one is, put simply, the showdown that we all wanted to see. World No1 against the two-times defending champion, tungsten-wielding titan versus tungsten-wielding titan, irresistible force meets unmovable object.
Gary Anderson is on a 17 (SEVENTEEN) match winning streak in the competition but Michael van Gerwen is playing on a higher plane that everyone else, he won 25 tournaments in 2016 and has been the favourite to reclaim the crown he won for the one and only time in 2014, before Anderson’s two titles.
Van Gerwen’s Dutch derby with Raymond van Barneveld was an epic semi-final and how much it has taken out of “Mighty Mike” may go a fair old way to deciding who prevails in the first to seven sets encounter. Van Gerwen was the last man to beat Anderson at Alexandra Palace, way back in December 2013, and the Scot is aiming to become only the third player to win three consecutive titles after Eric Bristow and Phil Taylor.
It’s going to be tense, it’s likely to be thrilling and there’s a very good chance it’ll be tight. Kick-off is around 8pm and while both men are playing for the pride and the prestige of winning the tournament, they’re also playing for the rather sizeable Sid Waddell Trophy. Here’s a compilation of the late, great Voice of Darts.
Gerard will be here shortly. Until then, relive Sunday’s action, in which Michael van Gerwen produced a record-breaking display to beat Raymond van Barneveld:
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