McCormack faces grudge match with Turkish star
Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Holyrood Park, including men’s European gold medallist Aras Kaya.
McCormack said: “It’s not right that people can swap countries when they like.” Defending champion Lesley Paterson has opted out of the New Year’s Day Triathlon in Edinburgh. Dundee Stars have to defy the form book as they bid to end their four-game losing streak at Elite League leaders Cardiff Devils today (4pm). Athletes hoping to star at the 2018 Commonwealth Games will have from today to seal their place in Team Scotland. The selection window for the Gold Coast showpiece is open for13 months.
The Musselburgh man feels right at home in the sport’s biggest arena after his record- breaking run to tonight’s semi-final against fellow Scot Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright.
Anderson’s last- eight victory over Dave Chisnall made it a record 16th win in a row at Ally Pally and he can’t wait to return to the oche.
The Flying Scotsman said: “I’m up on that stage and feeling comfortable with everything. Even if Dave had gone 4-3 up in our quarter-final and went on to win, I’d have been thinking, ‘I’ve done an OK job’.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to win it twice. I’ve been in a total of three f inals and this would have been another quarter- final so I could have nothing to complain about.
“That’s the way I look at it and it’s making me feel really comfy. I’m even giving some licks in celebration now and again, which is not like me – I’m enjoying myself.
“I was told after the game against Dave that that was my 16th straight win on that stage and it was a new record, so something up there suits me.”
Anderson will confirm his position as the top Scot playing the game if he takes out Wright, who got the better of James Wade in the last eight.
But the two-time champion says he’s not bothered about additional hype going into the showdown.
Anderson said: “I’m going to plod along and play darts. There will be folk trying to wind it up and wind me up but I’m just up there to play darts.
“If you are good enough to beat me, fair enough. If you’re not, I’ll do you instead. It’s that simple. No mind games, nothing.
“I don’t have anything to prove to anyone and I try not to say too much. I prefer to let my game do the talking and the darts make the noise.
“That’s the plan for me again. I’m looking forward to playing Peter and I hope it will be just as good as the last game against Dave.”
The prospect of a final between the reigning world champion and the current No.1 beckons as Michael van Gerwen takes on Raymond van Barneveld in the other semi-final.
The Green Machine has been on song since his 4-3 defeat to Barney in last year’s third round, winning eight major titles in 2016.
But van Gerwen said: “I don’t have anything to celebrate yet. I’ve come here to do a job and I’m only a step closer.
“This world championship is something special . I sti l l get goosebumps on the walk-on and I’m excited and ready for the semi-finals.” Van Barneveld will be hoping to continue his magical Ally Pally run having seen off Adrian Lewis and Phil Taylor to reach the last four. The five- time world champion felt he failed to find top gear against Taylor, whose hopes of an incredible 17th world crown were dashed after a tense 5-3 defeat. But the Dutchman said: “I’m proud of what I’ve done here. I didn’t feel comfortable but I was expecting more from Phil. “I’m going to play the greatest player in the world when I play Michael and I can’t wait.”