I’ll start the new year from scratch
Anderson wants to put horror stint in rear-view mirror
GARY ANDERSON has a clear 2020 vision as he aims to bin a torturous 12 months that has left him “like a hippo” one day and a gazelle the next.
The two-time world champion has endured a torrid time, with injuries keeping him out of several major events this season.
Anderson’s issues forced him to miss valuable stage time as a loss of form left him a 25-1 rank outsider entering the PDC World Championship at Ally Pally.
The Scot admits it has been tough and simply wants to erase 2019 from memory and get going again at full pelt in the new year.
Anderson missed almost the entire first half of this year as he tried to get his fitness back and said: “I lost a bit of interest in it.
“I had six months off, spent time with the family and loved it.
“Did I want to play darts again? No. Do I enjoy being away from home? No, I don’t.
“It’s hard for me just now to enjoy playing. I play but I don’t enjoy it.
“It’s hard to do something you don’t enjoy. I’ve played boys, played fantastic and I have gone home and forgotten about it.
“But I just want this year done with. I want to start again – come January and a new year, to start from scratch.
“Then see what happens. I aim to get back into it and I will do.”
Asked how his back is he added: “It’s getting there. My back is all right but it’s just there are days I can’t move like I should do.
“There are days I’m like a gazelle and there are days I’m like a hippo. I just get on with it.”
Anderson shook off the rust to clinch a cracking start with a 3-0 whitewash of Brendan Dolan in Monday’s opener.
After a sticky start the 48-yearold began to climb through the gears and there were signs the hard work put in to prepare for the big one could pay off.
He said: “My throw is just about where I want it to be. There are a few where it goes and your guess is as good as mine.
“I’ve not had a lot of stage time and I was as nervous as hell against Brendan walking on and in the first few legs. After the second set I was much more happy. I’ve not played a lot.
“I have tried to squeeze 12 months’ practice into three days. I’m getting there and I am happy with the way it has been going.
“I have had some great memories here at the Ally Pally. I’ve had some fantastic matches.
“I’ve played Phil Taylor in the Final, got my revenge on Ady Lewis and had a third final in a row losing to Michael van Gerwen.” The young brigade are gunning for the old guard but Anderson added: “These boys play 24/7 and I do giggle if I beat them as I’m an old-timer.
“The thing about the youngsters is they come here fresh every year.
“Give it two years when they start to defend money then we’ll see how good they are when the pressure is on their backs. It’s okay going away and saying, ‘I’ll smash him’ and they do.
“But in two years’ time and having to smash that guy again, it’s a different kettle of fish.
“The 180s and 140s are coming. I’m pathetic a bit still on doubles and I wouldn’t have bet five quid on me hitting double 10. I hate it but I still have to go that way.
“If it kicks in, it might put a smile on my face.”