Gary Anderson takes issue with Adam Hunt’s behaviour during World Darts Championship clash
Gary Anderson secured a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against Adam Hunt at the World Darts Championship on Saturday, but the two-time world champion was left frustrated
Isaac Seelochan Senior Sports Journalist
21:45, 13 Dec 2025
Gary Anderson beat Adam Hunt at the World Darts Championship(Image: Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
Gary Anderson hit out at the psychological gamesmanship used by his former pupil Adam Hunt during their PDC World Championship clash. The two-time world champion edged a tense deciding-set victory against the youngster he once mentored on Saturday afternoon, admitting there were anxious moments before his Ally Pally triumph.
Anderson was clearly frustrated with the chat and antics displayed by Hunt throughout their match before landing the crucial finishing blow. The Scottish icon initially confessed the 3-2 comeback win was far from comfortable, saying: “Oh, aye. Risking a heart attack, yeah I love every minute of it!
“I was mad at myself. It started off great in the first set, then I just went absolute to mush. The second and third, they were all over the bloody place. But I got back to 2-2, I started to take my time and actually look at what I was throwing at and it kind of worked, so I got over the line.”
Adam Hunt rattled Gary Anderson(Image: Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
Anderson also disclosed his irritation at Hunt’s behaviour and remarks during their battle. When asked whether some celebrations from his opponent had spurred him on, he replied: “Yeah, there was a couple of legs that I threw away. There’s nothing worse than somebody pinching a leg off you and giving it licks and you think, right, okay, that’s not going to go well.”
When questioned about whether opponents raised their game against him, Anderson said: “He’s never played like that for the last 12 months. At the first break, he popped his head into me, ‘When was the last time you played like that?’
“I went, ‘I play like that all the time, son. It’s as simple as that. I went, ‘Cheeky little…’ We talk about mind games, but when was the last time you played like that? I probably forgot more about darts than what he ever knows. It’s not a thing. I’ve played darts a long time. I still bang in the 110 plus averages. So, yeah, I can still play the game how it should be.”
When asked if he thought it was a deliberate tactic from Hunt, Anderson responded: “I don’t know, that’s up to you to decide. I know what I think. But I can’t say because I get into trouble every time I say it.
“I just want to play darts. It’s not rocket science. You throw your darts and you get out the boy’s way to let him throw. That’s it. It’s the easiest game in the world to play. End of. When you see them sauntering up to the dartboard and taking 10 minutes to take their darts out, is that darts? That’s why I don’t watch it.”
In the end, Anderson managed to compose himself and secure the win. He added: “If you think, you lose. That’s a darts player’s secret. When you play any kind of sport, I think if you think into it and get into it, then it’s not good for you.
“So you try not to think. I just want to keep going so I can get a shot on the new stage next year. If it’s ready on time, it’s a lot of work.”
Anderson is now poised to face either Simon Whitlock or Connor Scutt in the second round. Discussing his potential rivals, he said: “I’ve known Simon for donkeys. Connor, I’m a big fan. I get on well with Conor. Cracking little boy. He’s a worker. He puts the time in on his dartboard.”
The second-round match is slated for Monday week, and in the meantime, it’s back to hard graft at the fishing lakes for Anderson. He revealed: “I’m going back to work tomorrow while you all enjoy yourselves and have a jolly. Rachel’s going in about six in the morning.
“I’ll be in about half seven, eight o’clock until six o’clock. The body’s still done. I’ve got a lot of chainsaw work to do after this tournament. But we’ll wait until the end of it. We’ll carry on with the win.”
