They came so close, but for a second time Gary Anderson and Scotland had to settle for runners-up spot in a World Cup.
Anderson and Peter Wright lost out to the Netherlands who defended their title and won the World Cup for a 4th time.
Holland won the final 3-1 as Michael van Gerwen beat Anderson in the reverse singles in Frankfurt on Sunday night.
The Unicorn ace had kept the Scots in the final as he hit five 180s in beating Raymond van Barneveld 4 legs to 1 in the singles.
But the Netherlands won the doubles and Van Gerwen then averaged 111 in beating Anderson 4-0. Gary himself had a 100 average but it wasn’t to be.
“Me and Peter did ok. Of course we are disappointed we couldn’t finish the job, but we will come back next year for another go. Fair play to Holland. They were the best team over the weekend,” Gary admitted.
After overcoming Japan, the Scottish pair needed a deciding doubles to get past Australia in the semi’s.....Kyle Anderson beat Gary in the singles. Kyle and Simon Whitlock had got past Wales in the last eight.
Kyle was superb throughout this World Cup as he did his country, his family and Team Unicorn proud....and the same can be said of Kim Huybrechts and Dimitri van den Bergh who took Belgium to the semi-finals.
The duo lost to the Netherlands in the last four after two high class matches. Huybrechts levelled at two apiece against Van Gerwen but was edged out 4-2 and Dimitri averaged nearly 108 in losing by the same score against Van Barneveld. It was a thriller. Barney averaged 113 and took out a 161 finish, while Van den Bergh missed darts to force a deciding leg!
In the quarter-finals, Belgium beat England in some style. After Kim lost 4-2 to Rob Cross, it was left to Dimitri to edge out Dave Chisnall last in a last leg to force a doubles showdown. And there was no stopping the Unicorn pair as they swept to a 4-0 victory with a 100 average.
Japan’s terrific run ended at the quarter-final stage as they went down in straight games to the Scots. But Unicorn man Seigo Asada and his partner Haruki Muramatsu can hold their heads high.
Bu one player shone throughout.....Dimitri van den Bergh was the player of the World Cup. What a talent and what a future ahead for the young Belgian.
Results - Q/Finals:
Scotland 2-0 Japan
Wales 1-2 Australia
England 1-2 Belgium
Germany 0-2 Netherlands
S/Finals:
Scotland 2-1 Australia
Belgium 0-2 Netherlands
Final:
Scotland 1-3 Netherlands
Report from STUART PYKE
Photo courtesy PDC
