Anderson ends van Gerwen reign

Gary Anderson has knocked out defending champion Michael van Gerwen to reach the final of the PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace.

Anderson consistently hit his doubles and averaged 102 on his way to a 6-3 win which upset the odds, eliminating the joint favourite and world number one.

The result seemed certain from the moment that Van Gerwen missed double eight twice, leaving the door wide open for 44-year-old Scot Anderson to take a 5-3 lead.

Dutchman Van Gerwen cleared out from 149 to level the next set at 1-1 early on, but Anderson held his nerve to win it 3-2.

“The more I put pressure on him, the more he missed,” Anderson told Sky Sports Darts. “There were two sets I gave away, I was up 2-0 and I lost 3-2 so I gave him those but I’m quite happy.

“It’s just nice to be here again. It’s been a long time, four years, but I’m enjoying it. I’m enjoying my darts again.”