I can’t believe it – Andrew Gilding shocked after UK Open success

Andrew Gilding was in shock after beating Michael van Gerwen in the UK Open final despite not playing “particularly brilliant darts”.

Gilding defied the odds to clinch a maiden televised title with an unexpected 11-10 win over three-time world champion Van Gerwen at Butlin’s Minehead Resort on Sunday.

The 52-year-old was appearing in his first televised final and recovered from 9-7 down late in the piece to stop Van Gerwen from getting his hands on a fourth UK Open crown.

Van Gerwen checked out 170 to put him within a leg of victory and, after Gilding also survived a match dart in a nail-biting decider, he pinned double top to pick up the £110,000 prize, ending a six-match losing run against the Dutchman.