Gary Anderson knocked out of World Darts Championship

​East Lothian-born Anderson, formerly of Eyemouth and the Berwick darts league, won the PDC world darts championship in 2015 and 2016 and had been hoping for third time lucky at London’s Alexandra Palace.

Anderson, now living in Somerset, had entered the event in good form, with three ranking event titles under his belt this year.

The 14th seed came into the competition with the year’s highest overall three-dart average of 99.66 but was unable to show that form as his 54th birthday turned into a major disappointment.

He struggled throughout against his unseeded opponent, winning only two legs and converting just three out of 20 attempts at a double.

It was the first time he had lost his opening match in 16 world championship appearances as he became the 11th seed out of the 24 who had played by Sunday night to be knocked out so far.

De Graaf, 34, had a 75% checkout success and began with a 11-dart finish.

“It is great,” De Graaf told Sky Sports.

“Gary didn’t show up as he usually does but I am very happy with the win.

"I got very nervous after the first set and when I was 2-0 up I was thinking: ‘What is going on now?’

"I am happy that I got through in the end. I am happy to be here and let’s keep going.”

He added: “It’s a dream come true for me. He’s been my idol since I was 14 years old.”

Anderson rates current world champion Luke Humphries, world No 3 Michael van Gerwen and world No 4 Luke Littler among the front-runners for 2025’s title.

“Before, you could pick a dozen potential winners – now you’ve got two or three dozen players who could possibly lift the title,” he said.

“You’re going to have your favourites – Luke Humphries, van Gerwen, young Luke Littler – then you’ve got your outsiders.

“It’s going to be an interesting one, I think. I think there’s going to be that many top players all at the same level, and it’s going to be some battle. It could kick up some stink.

“There could be someone who comes from out of the blue to win it.”