Two-time winner Gary Anderson endured a forgettable 54th birthday as he crashed out of the PDC world cup weapons Patrocinium was followed by a second disaster around the disaster of Jeffrey de Graaf.
The Scot, champion in 2015 and 2016, hit just three of his 20 checkout attempts as he was whitewashed 3-0 to fall in the tournament’s opening match for the first time. Anderson was the highest profile casualty on a day of unrest at Alexandra Palace in London following the exits for fellow players Ross Smith, Martin Schindler, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Ritchie Edhouse.
The 14th seed comes into the tournament with a three-point average of 99.66. Underdog De Graaf, who had a 75% checkout success and finished with 11-shot, said: “It’s great. Gary didn’t really show up like he usually does, but I’m happy with the win.
“I was very nervous after the first set and even when I got up 2-0 I thought to myself, “what’s going on now?” You could have seen maybe so few shots when I missed. Just the nerves come in, but I’m glad that I got through the end.
Earlier, Joe Cullen stormed out of his press conference after being accused of a lack of respect by the media following a 3-0 win over Wessel Nijman.
The 2022 Master’s champion, who will face the 2021 winner Gerwyn Price next, gave short answers during a technical interview on stage. Cullen then vented his frustration at reporters on stage before leaving early.
“I think the way it was probably handled with the media and things like that – I know you guys have no power over the books – I showed no respect,” so I’m not going to show anyone any respect. you guys tonight,” he said. “I’m going home. Youngsters.”
Ian White jokingly noted his upcoming opponent Luke Littler was “Runcorn no 2” after his fight to beat Edhouse, the 29th seed. The 54-year-old set up a meeting with Littler thanks to a 3-1 win over the European champion.
White, who was born in the same Chester town as 17-year-old Littler, admitted he needed to improve his game as he returned to the next eight with a three-shot average of 88.86.
Asked if he knew who was waiting for him, White said: “Yes, Runcorn’s No 2. I’m from Runcorn and I’m not 1! I hope it will be a better game than I played tonight.
“You want to cause an upset, you’re going to be sent, but I’m all for it. Luke Littler has done all this in this game for two years now, so you can bring it.
Filipino qualifier Paolo Nebrida scored the biggest win of his career by stunning former European champion and 19th seed Smith 3-0 to set up a meeting with De Graaf, while Van Duijvenbode, the Dutch 25th seed, was beaten 3-1 by Latvian Madars Razma. .
The German No 1, Schindler, seeded 22, posted a double-double of 12 for nine shots and one lead before a 3-0 rout, as Callan Rydz and Ryan Searle started a 10-point journey to a comfortable 3-goal lead. 0 win over Canadian Matt Campbell.