World champ Gary Anderson turns on style to upset Raymond van Barneveld

PDC World Champion Anderson followed up Saturday's ruthless whitewash of Larry Butler with a sublime performance against 2012 Grand Slam winner van Barneveld yesterday.

The Dutchman showed his class with a 105.93 average as he matched the Scot's four 180s, but crucially missed one dart at double 15 to lead 4-3 – with his rival hitting tops to take charge and a 121 finish to seal the win.

Anderson had also finished 86 on the bull during the game and took out five doubles from seven attempts to leave van Barneveld facing a shoot-out against Butler on Monday night where the winner will move through to the last 16. "It was a battle and Raymond

always plays well against me so I'm always happy to win," said Anderson.

"Barney's a class act and he always has been. "My scoring's coming back and in the last few months I've been taking out the big finishes. It would be nice to have three wins and I want to keep this going."

Butler had bounced back from his opening-game loss with a narrow 5-4 win over fellow qualifier Andy Boulton, who battled back from 4-1 down to send the game into a decider only to miss tops for the win in leg nine.

"I was up 4-1 but then Andy started playing some phenomenal darts, so it was good to get the last double," said Butler. "He played brilliant darts for those last four legs.

"I think I've got a shot of beating Raymond and I'm really looking forward that one, it's going to be very enjoyable. Raymond's a class act and a great dart player and I'm going to have fun."

Wolverhampton's Wayne Jones' hopes are hanging by a thread. The Wednesfield thrower lost to Andy Fordham last night and must win tomorrow and hope other results go his way.

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