Gutted Gary Anderson in World Darts Championship exit as Flying Scotsman's surge from the brink not enough

Gutted Gary Anderson’s World title hat-trick bid is over. The two-time champion crashed out of the Ally Pally showpiece at the last 16 stage after a shock loss to Brendan Dolan.

Anderson was nowhere near his best in spells and cut a frustrated figure as the Northern Irishman cashed in on those poor periods. The 53-year-old got off to a dismal start as he meekly lost the first two sets. Anderson missed seven out of eight darts at doubles as he was swamped by his opponent who took full advantage of his opponent’s early struggles.

But, backed by the London crowds, Anderson surged back from the brink to reel off three sets and put himself bang in position to book a place in the last eight as he aimed to add to wins in 2015 and 2016.

Anderson was favourite at that point, but Dolan would not lie down. And, needing to win the last two sets, he did just that to turf the former champ out of the tournament.

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