Gary Anderson was stunned by Belgium’s Mike De Decker at the World Grand Prix on Thursday, losing 3-0 in sets to miss out on a quarter-final place in Leicester.
The victory means De Decker is through to a first major televised quarter-final in his career, and shocked Anderson by striking for the opening set at 3-0 in double-quick time.
The Scot returned after the break in far better form to claim his opening leg of the match, but De Decker held his nerve to hold both his throws and then check out 120 to win the second set 3-2, moving a set away from victory.
A sensational 160 checkout ensured De Decker kept his nose in front in the third set, with the 28-year-old showing superb composure to hold throw and take the set 3-2, and with it the match 3-0.
Mardle: De Decker oozes composure
Sky Sports Darts’ Wayne Mardle:
“We said there’s an opportunity for De Decker to do something. It’s not often Anderson gets outplayed like that.
“The finishes, the 160 and 74 to finish it up. He oozes composure under pressure and you can’t buy that. I had zero!
“Some people have got it or they haven’t. He’s got it. He’s just taken his time. The little increments in his ability…
“He lost his tour card a few years ago, didn’t get it back straight away, and now he’s showing what he can do.
“That was a performance of a seasoned pro, not someone being on a big stage for a relative newcomer to big-time darts.
“He’s got the game, there’s no doubt about it.”
De Decker: Something is clicking this week
Mike De Decker speaking to Sky Sports Darts’ Polly James:
“It’s massive. I always had a problem bringing my floor game to the stage but it’s clicking this week and I hope I can keep this up.
“I’m just trying my best every single game. I’m not keen on all the attention and I’m just doing my thing!”
Ruthless Wade beats Price 3-0 to reach quarters
Elsewhere on Thursday evening, James Wade also booked his quarter-final spot after a dominant 3-0 victory over Gerwyn Price.
A tight first set went the way of Wade 3-2, as he just missed bullseye attempting a 170 checkout, but was then on hand to end the leg with a single dart at double 10.
Wade let out a roar in Price’s direction after that opening set – a response to an earlier Price celebration after the Welshman hit 180 – and Price then missed three darts at tops to claim the opening leg of the second set, handing Wade a chance he took with aplomb: one dart at tops all Wade required.
Wade held throw to move 2-0 up in the set, and though Price pulled a leg back, Wade landed a 180 before finishing the leg on double 12 to win the set 3-1, and move a set away from the quarters.
The Englishman claimed the opening leg of the third set, and despite missing nine darts at a double at the start of the second leg, Wade ruthlessly took advantage of Price’s inability to close out the leg, again landing double 10 to move 2-0 up and a leg from victory.
Price took out 130 to get himself back in the set, but Wade would not be denied.
What’s happening at the World Grand Prix on Friday?
Friday is quarter-finals day at the World Grand Prix as just eight players remain in the tournament.
World No 1 Luke Humphries plays Jonny Clayton, and Rob Cross goes up against Ryan Joyce.
The matches are still first to three sets.
Watch the World Grand Prix in Leicester this week on Sky Sports+. Stream the darts and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
