Andrew Gilding has already knocked out Rob Cross and Gary Anderson, but can he handle the prized scalp of No. 1 Michael Smith? Watch the double-in, double-out World Grand Prix Darts at Leicester’s Morningside Arena until the final on October 8 – live on Sky Sports
Last updated: 06/10/23 7:22 am
“I never thought I would win a major tournament, and now I dream of winning another one,” says surprise package Andrew Gilding, who has his eye on capturing the World Grand Prix title in Leicester.
Gilding produced a great fight to see off 2016 finalist Gary Anderson and he will now face world champion and number 1 Michael Smith for a place in the semi-finals on Friday.
The 52-year-old, a journeyman on the PDC Tour, celebrated the milestone moment of his career in March when he stunned Michael van Gerwen to win the UK Open and take home a £110,000 prize.
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I never thought I would win a major tournament, and now I dream of winning another, but Michael is playing well. He is so natural and it will be hard to beat him.
Andrew Gilding dreams of winning another TV major
Gilding is a latecomer to the sport, having worked in an abattoir and a chicken factory, only getting into it after joining a pub team after suffering from depression in his early 30s.
Gilding, who goes by the nickname ‘Goldfinger’ after buying some gold Phil Taylor Phase 5 darts 20 years ago, lived in a one-bedroom flat in Suffolk before his surprise victory at the UK Open.
He also fought back from a set down to dump eighth-ranked Rob Cross in the first round before winning six of the last seven legs to celebrate a historic major stage victory over Anderson.
“In all my matches lately I’ve just taken advantage of my opponents’ mistakes,” Gilding admitted.
“To be honest, I did the same thing at the UK Open. I didn’t play that well during the tournament, I was just there when I needed to be there.
“I never thought I would win a major tournament, and now I dream of winning another one, but Michael is playing well. He is so natural and it will be difficult to beat him.”
Gilding has developed a cult following among darts enthusiasts since winning the UK Open, with fans calling for him to be included in the Premier League next year.
“It’s great, I like it. I notice now in the crowd that there are people cheering for me and I try to acknowledge them,” he said.
Wayne Mardle believes the format is ‘volatile’ enough to give outsider Gilding a chance to win the event.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I think it’s an open competition but when you’re free you get beaten. Gilding hasn’t played well at all but he’s done the right things at the right times. He’s going to be a handful for everyone, even if he gets through it.
“They will all think this is a huge opportunity to reach a grand final.”
World Grand Prix: Friday October 6 from 7 p.m
Gerwyn Price | vs | Martin Schindler |
Michael Smith | vs | Andreas Gilding |
Peter Wright | vs | Luke Humphries |
Chris Dobey | vs | Joe Cullen |
The quarter-finals of the World Grand Prix take place on Friday evening, with Van Gerwen’s conqueror Chris Dobey taking on Joe Cullen, while Peter Wright and Luke Humphries also do battle.
Elsewhere, 2020 champion Gerwyn Price meets German star Martin Schindler.
Watch the double-in, double-out World Grand Prix Darts at Leicester’s Morningside Arena every night until the final on October 8 – live on Sky Sports. Stream the World Grand Prix and more with NOW for £21 per month for six months
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