GARY ANDERSON’S world title hat-trick dream was shattered after a 54th birthday nightmare on the doubles.
It was the first time The Flying Scotsman had lost at the first hurdle for the first time in 15 years, going down to World No.81 Jeffrey de Graaf.
Gary Anderson during his match against Jeffrey de Graaf[/caption]
Ando delivered his worst ever Ally Pally performance losing 3-0, having only hit three doubles out of 20 attempts last night.
De Graaf, 34, said: “It’s great. Gary didn’t really show up as he usually does. I am very happy. I got very nervous after the first set.
“I was a bit lucky in the second set when he missed a lot of doubles. That gave me confidence in the third set.
“This has been my best year. I am happy to be here. I will keep on going. My checkouts were the difference.”
It was a spine-tingling walk-on as the Ally Pally fans rose to the Flying Scotsman.
However De Graaf zipped through the first leg, despite a classy 121 finish from Ando. But he was scuppered by five missed doubles.
His form certainly didn’t improve in the second with another plethora of missed doubles, with just one hit out of seventeen attempts. Suddenly Anderson was two sets down and well and truly on the ropes.
It just got worse with another scrappy set for Ando and his facial expressions and grimaces told the biggest story.
He was soon staring down the humiliation of defeat as De Graaf led 2-1 in legs and just one away from glory. Ando saved the leg with double 16 and left it to a decider.
But De Graaf sealed his fate with a 76 finish and double 18 to end Ando’s dream.
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