Anderson beats Lewis to retain PDC World Darts Championship crown
Published:
Sam Barnard, Assistant Sports Editor | January 3, 2016
Gary Anderson 7-5 Adrian Lewis (1-3, 3-0, 3-1, 2-3, 2-3, 3-1, 3-1, 3-0, 0-3, 3-0, 0-3, 3-1)
- Slow start by Anderson in particular but duo soon upped their game
- Scot came from behind to go 2-1 up but miscounted to allow Lewis back in
- Pair alternated going ahead in sets before Anderson went two ahead at 5-3
- Jackpot threatened a fightback but Flying Scotsman retained the title
- Anderson finished on double 12 for second final running
- Match saw the most amount of 180s in any match ever
- 2016 Premier League Darts and Masters line-ups confirmed following final
- Check out our other reactions of all the sessions this tournament
Anderson claims back-to-back titles after dispatching Lewis
The party is finally over, as the curtain comes down on what was probably the greatest ever PDC World Darts Championship, and Gary Anderson goes away from it £300k richer after defending his title by seeing off two-time champion Adrian Lewis.
The Flying Scotsman is still the king at Ally Pally! LIVE on Sky Sports Darts: https://t.co/RDbNns8L1u #LoveTheDarts https://t.co/ZLFGo4ma8V
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) January 3, 2016
The Flying Scotsman, 45, claimed back-to-back Sid Waddell trophies after an intriguing duel that saw the pair take the lead on a couple occasions each, and in doing so avenged his loss to Jackpot in the 2011 final.
Understandably, both stars were nervous during the early stages but Lewis held his nerve to claim the opening set, despite missing three darts to break Anderson at one point.
Anderson starts slow but picks up pace
After averaging just 79 in the first set, The Flying Scotsman knew he had to up his game if he were to become only the fourth multiple PDC world champion, and he certainly did just that as he was a totally different person in the second.
Anderson destroyed Jackpot 3-0 to level the scores, and finished on an 11-darter to show the crowd and more importantly his opponent that he had arrived.
With both players now firmly revved up and in the zone, the defending world and Premier League champion broke in the third set too after eventually finding his unfavoured double 10, which also saw his average soar.
A 121 checkout in the first leg of the next by Anderson followed the tournament’s 626th 180, hit by 30-year-old Lewis to beat last year’s tally.
Error threatens Anderson’s title defence
However, a costly miscalculation under pressure by the Scot, that should’ve seen him win against the throw again after needing just 24, saw Lewis capitalise on the rare error on his way to crucially claiming the fourth set.
Anderson seemingly didn’t let his mistake bother him too much as he broke straight away in the fifth, but Englishman Jackpot took out a terrific 131 to level up and again took advantage of a drop in quality from the former.
Highest checkout of the match from @Jackpot180 to break back! https://t.co/RDbNns8L1u #LoveTheDarts https://t.co/Qy0l8SreYV
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) January 3, 2016
It was Lewis’ turn to break early this time, and in doing so earned his 50th maximum of the competition. But, in this see-saw battle, The Flying Scotsman took the next three legs to get the scores to 3-3 – getting a bullseye on an 86 checkout to do so.
At this stage, Anderson was now averaging more than his counterpart for the first time in the match, and won the opening leg against the throw. A break apiece from each followed, before the elder arrowsmith held on to go ahead once more, despite Lewis having three darts on doubles to halt the Scotsman’s charge.
Scot goes two sets ahead for first time
Missed doubles by Lewis allowed Anderson to be the first one to go two sets ahead after winning to nil, though he had a scare when he miscounted again – seemingly blaming it on not being able to see the scoresheet.
Know what to get Gary Anderson next Christmas… pic.twitter.com/KB057pAR5w
— Coral (@Coral) January 3, 2016
After three straight sets in favour of the reigning champion, Jackpot managed to stop the rot to claw one back without dropping a leg too, by finishing in style with a 121.
121 checkout for @Jackpot180 to make it 5-4! LIVE on Sky Sports Darts: https://t.co/RDbNns8L1u #LoveTheDarts https://t.co/bcCQy9L9dM
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) January 3, 2016
However, the end was soon in sight for the determined Scot, as he immediately replied by taking the 10th to nil, to regain a two-set lead and just one away from retaining the holy grail.
Lewis was down but not yet out, and his attempt to play catch-up saw him claw back to 6-5 after a fourth straight set to nil – two apiece.
Jackpot attempts late fightback
His resurgence and notable passion also resulted in him breaking early. But Anderson stunned the crowd to go 2-1 up in the set with a thrilling 170 checkout and eventually went on to see out the match with the same double (12) that he defeated Phil Taylor with for his first crown.
Game, shot and the title for @GaryAnderson180! LIVE on Sky Sports Darts: https://t.co/RDbNns8L1u #LoveTheDarts https://t.co/rLdisZOUWt
— Sky Sports (@SkySports) January 3, 2016
In winning the title again, it means that for the first time the PDC World Darts Championship has not seen an Englishman lift it in three years, as Michael van Gerwen claimed it in 2014.
Following the trophy presentation, the Premier League participants for the coming year was also announced. Top four players in the world Van Gerwen, Anderson, Lewis and Taylor, as well as wildcards Peter Wright, James Wade, Robert Thornton, newcomer Michael Smith, Raymond van Barneveld and Dave Chisnall complete the line-up.
Related
Check out more from our dedicated darts archive, where you can re-live in-depth content on the 2016 PDC World Darts Championship.
