Anderson Concentrates Entirely on Wattimena Showdown

Gary Anderson is preparing for a significant challenge as he faces Jermaine Wattimena in the third round of the 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship. Scheduled for Sunday, December 28, Anderson enters this match after a commanding 3-1 victory over Connor Scutt, where he averaged nearly 106.

Focus on the Wattimena Showdown

Anderson is intensely focused on his upcoming match against Wattimena. He acknowledges that while his last performance was strong, there remains potential for improvement. “Anything’s good nowadays,” he remarked after his last game, highlighting that he had several legs below 60.

Anderson noted, “When you start hitting doubles, the confidence goes up a bit.” This insight reflects his understanding of the mental aspects of the game. Despite a solid performance, he believes he can enhance his scoring further.

Acknowledging Wattimena’s Progress

Anderson recognizes the talent of his opponent. “Jermaine has been absolutely fantastic over the last two years,” he stated, indicating that the match will not be easy. Anderson is aware of the level of competition he faces in the PDC circuit.

Enduring Motivation and Mentorship

At nearly 50 years old, Anderson dispels the notion that the sport is exclusively for younger players. He maintains that motivation drives his performance. “Just winning a game nowadays is good, but yeah it can be done,” he emphasized.

His time spent practicing with his son Tai has kept him sharp. “Me and Tai have been in the room for the last three days,” Anderson shared. This preparation includes engaging in practice games that have kept him active and prepared for tough matches.

Anderson’s Remarkable Career

Anderson possesses a stellar record in the World Darts Championship, second only to Michael van Gerwen in wins at the Alexandra Palace stage. He has a notable history, having secured back-to-back titles in 2014/15 and 2015/16. However, he confirms that he no longer allows the pressure of expectations to overshadow his performance.

• Match Information:
  • Event: 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship
  • Date: Sunday, December 28
  • Time: Afternoon Session (12:30 GMT)
  • Match: Gary Anderson vs. Jermaine Wattimena
• Other Matches Scheduled:
  • Martin Schindler vs. Ryan Searle
  • Damon Heta vs. Rob Cross
  • Evening Session (19:00): Gian van Veen vs. Madars Razma
  • Luke Humphries vs. Gabriel Clemens
  • Michael van Gerwen vs. Arno Merk

In conclusion, as Anderson looks ahead to his showdown with Wattimena, his blend of experience, motivation, and recent practice may serve as critical factors in his pursuit of a title. He remains a formidable presence in the sport, ready to compete at the highest level.