Dubai: Gary Anderson, the newly crowned Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters champion, will cherish his prize more than most.
For Anderson toasts victories in understated fashion with a cup of coffee and the Dallah trophy he won on Friday night just happens to be a giant coffee pot.
The two-time reigning world champion would be perfectly entitled to have celebrated wildly at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium after his maiden triumph in his second appearance here. He had exhibited a never-say-die attitude to come from 8-4 behind to end Michael van Gerwen’s three-year reign as Dubai champion with a dramatic 11-9 victory.
But, in keeping with darts’ humble roots as a pub sport, Anderson is not one for extravagance and instead prioritises getting his caffeine fix and providing for his family. “Celebrate? No, I’ve won the worlds twice and I’ve went (sic) back to the hotel, got myself a coffee and gone straight to bed,” Anderson, who had earlier beaten the 16-time world champion Phil Taylor 11-7 in the second semi-final, told Gulf News.
“I’m going to do exactly the same tonight, except I’ll be on an aeroplane [to London Heathrow].”
How does he spend his prize money? “I’ve got three boys and I am playing darts now mostly for my kids,” he said. “I could have maybe jacked it in years ago but I thought ‘Nah, just keep plugging on’ and see if I could help the boys out when they’re older. I have a 21-year-old, a 17-year-old and a two-year-old.
“It’s all about them now, not about me.”
What about a treat for his partner, Rachel? “She’s out of the equation, it’s the boys,” the 45-year-old smilingly replied, hastily looking over his shoulder to see whether Rachel was in earshot. “She’ll maybe get a shopping spree in the mall.
“It’s about the kids; everything’s about the kids these days. I’m too old to worry about myself.
“As long as I’ve got my coffee in the morning, I’m quite happy. What do I buy the boys? Just whatever. If they need a pram or cot, it’s there for them.”
Meanwhile, the world number one, Van Gerwen, was full of self-recrimination following his poor finishing and failure to make his early advantage tell.
“I’m gutted, really disappointed with myself,” said the Dutchman, who had beaten Dave Chisnall 11-7 in the opening semi-final.
“Gary put me under pressure at the right time. All credit to Gary, but I can only blame myself. I’m sick about it and winners should always feel like that after defeats.”
Surprisingly, the serial winner Taylor was not too downbeat after his defeat to Anderson in the last four.
On the eve of the two-day annual tournament, the 55-year-old had told Gulf News he would consider retirement next January as he was “slowing down”.
But asked whether he would be back here next year, the Englishman replied: “If I’m invited, I’ll be back. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I love it here. It is the hardest stage we play on, without a shadow of a doubt, as it is outside and red hot.
“But if you can play here, you can play anywhere.”
2016 DUBAI DUTY FREE DARTS MASTERS
Friday, May 27
Semi-finals
Michael van Gerwen 11-7 Dave Chisnall
Gary Anderson 11-7 Phil Taylor
(Best-of-21 legs)
Final
Michael van Gerwen 9-11 Gary Anderson
(Best of 21 legs)
