Gary Anderson's hopes of a first World Matchplay title were dashed in dramatic fashion by Daryl Gurney in Blackpool on Tuesday.
The Unicorn man went down 11-9 in a thriller but that will be of no consolation to the Scot who was frustrated throughout.
Anderson made the perfect start racing into a 3-0 lead. One of the big moments came as early as the fifth leg. Gary was in total control but he blew four darts for a 4-1 advantage and that gave Gurney the impetus that he was looking for.
They turned out to be very costly misses. Anderson hit seven perfect darts as he did go 4-2 in front but the Irishman levelled. Gurney grew in confidence with a 121 finish and an 11 darter as he went ahead for the first time at 7-5.
Gurney kept taking out the double with the last dart in hand as Anderson tried to hit back but the Team Unicorn ace just couldn't find the magic moment. He missed the bull and a 170 and D16 for a 152.
Gurney plays Mensur Suljovic in the quarter-finals, while Peter Wright faces Darren Webster in the bottom half of the draw.
Tuesday 2nd Round results:
Mensur Suljovic 11-6 Justin Pipe
Darren Webster 11-7 Steve West
Gary Anderson 9-11 Daryl Gurney
Peter Wright 11-4 Cristo Reyes
Story from STUART PYKE at the World Matchplay
Photo courtesy Lawrence Lustig / PDC
