Andrew Gilding in shock after being beaten michael van gerwen Despite not playing “particularly brilliant darts” in the final of the British Open.
Gilding challenged the prospect of winning the first televised title with an unexpected 11-10 win over the three-time world champion. van Gerwen at Butlin’s Minehead Resort on Sunday.
The 52-year-old appeared in his first televised finale, recovering from 9-7 late in the game, preventing Van Gerwen from capturing his fourth British Open crown.
Van Gerwen checked the 170 to put him on a victory foot, and after Gilding also survived a match darts in a nail-biting decision, he hit the double top to claim the £110,000 prize, ending a six-game losing streak. Dutch.
Gilding told PDC TV: “I can’t believe it. I didn’t expect to win that game. I played steadily all weekend but didn’t feel like I was playing darts very bright.
“The crowd was absolutely amazing. I practice more, I work hard, and I get paid. Now I have to win all these big championships.”
Gilding’s success put him in the world’s top 25 and also secured him a place in November. Grand Slam darts.
World number three Van Gerwen defeated two of his opponents. Premier League rivals Nathan Aspinall and Dimitri Van den Bergh are on final day to secure their place in another TV final.
The 33-year-old finished Aspinall with an average of 99 points in the last eight before reaching the final for his ninth straight win against Van den Bergh.
“It’s always difficult to play games like this. Andrew had nothing to lose and I think he played really well,” said Van Gerwen.
“I think I made a lot of mistakes and I know that, but I am the only one to blame and I will be fair to Andrew.
“I can’t find many positives right now. I’m here to win tournaments and it’s disappointing when you don’t.
“It is painful for me. It hurts. Everyone knows what kind of person I am, but I’m going to get it on my chin. Credit to Andrew. He had an outstanding tournament.”