Anderson wins in Wigan

GARY ANDERSON admitted he felt like a “kid at a new school” after winning the Players Championship 2.

The Flying Scotsman delivered an incredible day of form including a 117.12 average and missed double 12 for a nine-darter on THREE occasions.

Ando, 53, took the title by beating practice partner Ryan Searle 8-5 in the final in Wigan on Tuesday night.

He said: “It's always nice to win these events, especially the way I played today.

“Yesterday I felt like a kid at a new school, I was nervous but today I felt more settled and it showed in my performances.

“It's been a long day and I'm happy to come out on top against a great player in Ryan.

“We've practiced together a couple of times since the World Championship, we spur each other on.

“He's a great guy, he just gets on with it and plays darts, he puts the effort in so it's nice to see him do well.

“I'll just carry on doing what I do, I'm in a good place in my life and I'm enjoying playing darts.

“I'm looking forward to playing the European Tour events as well this year and I want to keep my form going.”

Anderson produced four ton-plus averages across the day and missed double 12 for perfection three times, the last of which came in the final leg of the final.

The Scot had already missed a dart for perfection earlier in the match, having also missed an attempt in his semi-final win over Peter Wright.

A 117.12 average in a 6-0 win over Andy Baetens in the fourth round is the highest ever recorded by Anderson, who defeated Raymond van Barneveld in the quarter-finals.

Ando, who began the day with wins over Daniel Klose, Adam Gawlas and Daryl Gurney, scoops the £15,000 top prize which sees him rise two places to 25th on the PDC Order of Merit.

Words by Phil Lanning