ANDREW HAMILTON 3-2 BOB ANDERSON
(0-3, 3-0, 2-3, 3-2, 4-2)
Click here for match highlights and an interview with Andrew Hamilton in DartsTV
GIANT-KILLER Andrew Hamilton sent Bob Anderson crashing out of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship with a 3-2 win in their first round clash.
The world number 49 reached the quarter-finals on his debut at the Circus Tavern 12 months ago - and avenged his defeat to Anderson at that stage in a deciding final set this time around.
Former World Champion Anderson looked to be in vintage form by winning the opening set 3-0, but Hamilton replied to take the second, including a 112 finish.
Anderson hit back with a 114 checkout on his way to the third set, before the Stoke thrower took the fourth 3-1 to ensure the game went into a decider.
Anderson came from behind to lead 2-1 and move to within a leg of victory, but Hamilton found another gear to take three successive legs and victory.
"It was a battle and I had to grind it out," said Hamilton.
"I wasn't on top of my game and struggled to find the treble 20, but if I can beat people of Bob's calibre then I must be playing well.
"I knew when the draw was made that I'd have to play better than I did last year. I didn't play brilliantly, but I hit my doubles when I needed to and took some big shots out.
"I'm playing well but there's a lot of pressure on you in the first round and I can relax a bit now."
Hamilton faces Terry Jenkins in the second round, and said: "The last time we played I beat him, in Ireland, so I am not scared.
"I'm not scared of anyone, I just go up there, play my game and enjoy myself."
Match Stats
|
Bob Anderson |
2-3 |
Andrew Hamilton |
|
31 |
100+ |
32 |
|
15 |
140+ |
11 |
|
3 |
180 |
1 |
|
29.25 |
Ave1 |
29.49 |
|
87.74 |
Ave3 |
88.48 |