Gary Anderson can’t wait to savour a long overdue birthday in the house after his flying start to the William Hill World Championships.
The Scottish star sank Adrian Lewis to secure a spot in round three at the Alexandra Palace.
In a repeat of the 2011 and 2016 Finals, Anderson and Jackpot went head-to-head in an eagerly-anticipated tie.
However, it ended up one-sided as, after a slow start, the Musselburgh man hit overdrive to storm through.
Due to scheduling, Anderson is not now due to play his next game until after the Christmas break which means he can also enjoy his 51st birthday at home with family in Somerset.
He said: “I usually play about two or three games before Christmas. Now I have played one game and I am going to get to have my birthday at home.
“For the first time in nine years. I am going to enjoy every minute of it."
Anderson was coasting by the end, despite dropping the opening set.
The stung Scot recovered instantly to level the game with a flawless second-set show and then blitzed into the lead with a spectacular double-double finish in the third.
Anderson was on a roll and made it nine legs out of 10 to seal the deal in the battle of the boys who have four world crowns between them.
Anderson said: “I have a lot of respect for Adie. He’s one of the good guys.
“I’m trying a new set of darts. Practice board they were going well.
“The doubles were alright when I needed them, but the scoring wasn’t there.
“But that was my first game and it was Adie’s second game. There’s a difference.
“I’ve just to try and play darts. At this stage, it has to be each game as it comes. I’ve not got any high hopes at the moment. I’ll just throw.”
