Gary Anderson refrained from openly criticizing Adam Hunt’s conduct during their World Darts Championship clash, where Anderson overcame Hunt 3-2 in a hard-fought first-round battle. Despite being a two-time champion at Alexandra Palace, Anderson faced a tough challenge against the world No.84, with Hunt taking a 2-1 lead in the afternoon session before Anderson mounted a comeback.
The No.14 seed, known for his previous consecutive titles in 2015 and 2016, managed to secure the win despite a dip in his performance during the match. The final statistics showed Anderson narrowly outscoring his 32-year-old English opponent with an average of 95.2 compared to Hunt’s 94.47.
While Anderson initially commended Hunt’s performance in a post-match interview with Sky Sports, he later expressed his dissatisfaction in a press conference, highlighting Hunt’s questionable behavior. Anderson implied that Hunt engaged in mind games, asserting his superior experience and skill in the game of darts.
Looking ahead, Anderson will face the winner of the Connor Scutt versus Simon Whitlock match in the next round. Despite the close contest with Hunt, Anderson remains determined to clinch a third world title, aiming to join the ranks of legendary players like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen. Anderson’s recent victories on the ProTour and European Tour in 2025 have bolstered his confidence, making him a formidable contender in the ongoing championship.