World Grand Prix: Andrew Gilding is dreaming of profitable one other TV main title after his UK Open success | Darts Information

Andrew Gilding has already knocked out Rob Cross and Gary Anderson, however can he take the prized scalp of No 1 Michael Smith? Watch the double in, double out World Grand Prix Darts on the Morningside Area in Leicester up till the ultimate on October 8 – stay on Sky Sports activities

“I by no means thought I might win a serious match, and now I am dreaming of profitable one other,” says surprise-package Andrew Gilding, who has an eye fixed on claiming the World Grand Prix title in Leicester.

Gilding produced a terrific fightback to dump out 2016 finalist Gary Anderson and he’ll now tackle World Champion and No 1 Michael Smith for a spot within the semi-finals on Friday.

The 52-year-old, a journeyman on the PDC Tour, celebrated the landmark second of his profession in March when he shocked Michael van Gerwen to win the UK Open, taking dwelling a £110,000 prize.

I by no means thought I might win a serious match, and now I am dreaming of profitable one other, however Michael is taking part in effectively. He’s so pure and it will likely be arduous to beat him.

Andrew Gilding is dreaming of profitable one other TV main

Gilding is a latecomer to the game, having labored in an abattoir and a hen manufacturing unit, and solely bought into it after becoming a member of a pub workforce following a bout of despair in his early 30s.

Gilding, who goes by the moniker ‘Goldfinger’ after shopping for some gold Phil Taylor Section 5 darts over 20 years in the past, was dwelling in a one-bedroom Suffolk council flat earlier than his shock UK Open victory.

He additionally fought again from a set all the way down to dump out eighth seed Rob Cross in spherical one earlier than profitable six of the final seven legs to rejoice a landmark big-stage win over Anderson.

“In all my video games recently, I’ve simply been capitalising on my opponents’ errors,” admitted Gilding.

“I did the identical within the UK Open to be sincere. I did not play that effectively by means of the match, I used to be simply there after I wanted to be.

“I by no means thought I might win a serious match, and now I am dreaming of profitable one other, however Michael is taking part in effectively. He’s so pure and it will likely be arduous to beat him.”

Gilding has developed a cult following amongst darts lovers since profitable the UK Open with followers calling for him to be included in subsequent 12 months’s Premier League.

“It is nice, I prefer it. I discover within the crowd now that there is folks cheering for me and I attempt to acknowledge them,” he mentioned.

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Gilding upset Gary Anderson to seal his spot within the quarter-finals of the World Grand Prix

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Wayne Mardle says all eight gamers left within the match will really feel they’ve a large alternative to achieve Sunday’s remaining

Wayne Mardle believes the format is “risky” sufficient at hand outsider Gilding an opportunity of profitable the occasion.

He advised Sky Sports activities: “I really feel it is an open competitors however when you’re off, you are going to get beat. Gilding has not performed effectively in any respect however he is carried out the suitable issues on the proper instances. He will be a handful for anybody, even when he will get by means of.

“All of them will likely be considering this can be a huge alternative to achieve a serious remaining.”

The World Grand Prix quarter-finals will happen on Friday night, as Van Gerwen’s conqueror Chris Dobey faces Joe Cullen, whereas Peter Wright and Luke Humphries additionally lock horns.

Elsewhere, 2020 champion Gerwyn Value meets German star Martin Schindler.

Watch the double in, double out World Grand Prix Darts on the Morningside Area in Leicester each night time up till the ultimate on October 8 – stay on Sky Sports activities. Stream the World Grand Prix and more with NOW for £21 a month for six months