UNICORN EXCLUSIVE by Stuart Pyke
It has been a time of reflection for Gary Anderson, as he looks back on the worst spell of his career and looks forward to proving the doubters wrong.
The Scot heads into Premier League action in Sheffield, knowing that he has to win both matches to stay in the hunt for a semi-final spot.
“The last 10 months are the worst I have ever played,” revealed Anderson in a stark admission.
“But I know that I have the game to put it right and come out the other side.”
It has been a difficult time for Unicorn’s World No.4 after the death of his father and he has now lost four consecutive matches as he tries desperately to defend his title at the O2 next month.
And ‘The Flying Scotsman’ plays twice in Sheffield on Thursday night in two massive all Unicorn games against James Wade and Andy Hamilton.
Realistically, two more defeats could signal the end of the chase for the play-offs, but on the other hand, two victories doesn’t just put him right back in the semi-final shake-up, it would be a huge confidence boost for one of the most naturally gifted players in the world.
“I can’t really put my finger on what’s happened, but I am getting there. Believe it or not, I am not putting in the work on the practice board and I have to believe it will come good for me. I know what I am capable of doing on the oche, so it’s up to me to go up there and do it!”
“I got to the final of the Grand Slam and the quarter-finals at the World Championship not playing well, so I guess when it clicks again we will all know!”
Anderson is also trying to correct his stance, which has been hampered by a shoulder problem.
“It is just wear and tear and I know I need to have physio and see an osteopath,” he said. “But the problem with my shoulder has changed the way I throw....my elbow now sticks out to the right when it should be much straighter and that is what I am trying to get back.”
There is little doubt that he is a big talent, with masses of ability. At the moment, it seems to come down to a crisis of confidence.
“I will come good and I have set my sights on winning another PDC ‘Major’ this year. Winning the Premier League was a great achievement, but I want more that’s for sure,” Anderson added.
“I am getting the hunger back, so I just need to translate that into wins.”
After his nightmare 10 months, Anderson knows that it is time he started delivering.
Also in Sheffield, Kevin Painter is hoping to end a four-match losing streak against Simon Whitlock, while top of the bill sees Phil Taylor clashing with Raymond van
Barneveld.
Taylor looks unbeatable at the moment, but if anyone can, Barney can!
The Dutchman stole the Premier League show in Nottingham with his highest ever average on TV – 112.28 against Kevin Painter.
And remember, he played brilliantly and averaged 106 when losing 8-4 to Taylor in Belfast in February.
And as always, there will be first news of all the PL action right here on the Unicorn website.
Photo courtesy Lawrence Lustig / PDC