Gary Anderson targets jackpot for daughter’s horse
Gary Anderson has revealed he plans to spend the £1million World Championship jackpot on food for his daughter’s horse, which she got for Christmas if he wins the World Darts Championship, reports BritPanorama.
The 55-year-old Scotsman reached the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship, where he will face Gian van Veen at Alexandra Palace on Friday evening. Anderson secured his place in the final by defeating Justin Hood 5-2, having earlier achieved a notable victory over Michael van Gerwen, winning 4-1 — a surprising exit for the Dutch star.
A win for Anderson would see him become the oldest PDC World Champion in history. Currently, the record for the oldest champion is held by Phil Taylor, who claimed his last world title at the age of 52 in January 2013. Anderson has already earned £100,000 in prize money from this tournament alone.
The Flying Scotsman provided a characteristically witty explanation for his motivation to capture the record prize. His daughter’s new shire horse, Dusty, ironically requires significant feeding, and Anderson jested that the winnings would barely satisfy the animal’s appetite. “Horses don’t stop eating. They eat and eat and eat. The million might feed it for a couple of weeks,” he remarked.
Anderson, who enjoys the company of various animals, including a Great Dane that weighs around 97 kilograms, indicated that he is unfazed by competing against younger players. He expressed satisfaction in matching their performance, stating, “If I can match them and give them a bit of panic in the way we play, that’s good enough for me nowadays.”
As Anderson continues his journey in the championships, the looming question remains whether he will participate in the Premier League, having dodged inquiries regarding the 17-week tournament spanning eight countries. His focus appears to lean towards enjoying his time at home rather than being on the road, making the possibility of lifting the Sid Waddell Trophy particularly enticing.
In a sport where youth often dominates, Anderson’s perseverance is a testament to his experience and skill, emphasizing how even in the world of competitive darts, the desire for familial joy can drive performance.
