BOYO WONDER
Ando sparkles in Cardiff as Wright walkover riles rivals
GARY ANDERSON showed why he’s a double world champion in Wales as Peter Wright was awarded a whitewash win.
The Flying Scotsman produced a scintillating show in Cardiff to pummel Adrian Lewis – and his 7-3 victory included stunning finishes of 170 and 143 as well as five maximums.
The Musselburgh man said: “I’m not sure where it came from as I didn’t feel I was playing that well. The average was 107 and I thought it was 87 but there you go.”
But, although Anderson was thrilled at his win, he hinted at backstage unrest after Wright’s play-off bid was strengthened when he was awarded a walkover success by tournament chiefs.
Snakebite was due to face Kim Huybrechts in the opening contest of the evening. But with the Belgian already eliminated and his mother seriously unwell having been diagnosed with terminal cancer, he was given an exemption by PDC chiefs to sit it out and stay at home to care for her.
PDC chief executive Matt Porter explained: “We all send our best wishes to Kim and his family during what is a particularly difficult period. This was not the way that Kim wanted his Betway Premier League season to end but the needs of his family are foremost at this time.”
Wright, who did his walk-on and signed autographs for fans after turning up to complete the forfeit, was deemed a 7-0 winner by default, which kept him in the top two with Michael van Gerwen.
Anderson’s only concern was for Huybrechts as he said: “All our hearts go out to Kim and his family. It would’ve been great to see Kim here but family comes first.”
But, although Anderson would not be drawn on details, he added: “All the boys upstairs are moaning. I won’t be the one who backs down and says nothing.”
Anderson’s comments suggested Wright’s rivals were unhappy at the PDC awarding of the free 7-0 win.
Snakebite seemed to confirm that theory later as he said: “I just hope it doesn’t come down to that and the other players start moaning about it.
“I’d rather have played Kim in a couple of weeks when everything is away but that’s the rules.
“I have to go by the rules and if the other players were in that situation they would have to go by the rules as well. I’d rather play in front of the fantastic crowd.”
Wright added: “All this crowd are here for Kim and the guys put on a great show.
“Gary played fantastic with a 107 average and the fans enjoyed themselves. It was really strange not to play. It seems a lot louder on the floor than on the stage.
“All our thoughts are with Kim and his family.
“If any other Premier League player was in that situation they wouldn’t be here either.”
Meanwhile, Phil Taylor stayed in play-off contention by beating relegated Jelle Klaasen.
The Dutchman has a wrist injury and, despite storming into a 4-1 lead, was unable to sustain it through the aching pain and lost 7-5. Raymond van Barneveld is also in the shake-up after hammering James Wade 7-2 and van Gerwen stayed top by beating Dave Chisnall 7-1.