Camera-shy Anderson lets his darts talk

Published on Wednesday 7 January 2009 09:26

TOP SEED Gary Anderson moved into the last eight of the BDO World Darts Championship following a thrilling 47-minute clash against Welshman Robert Hughes which he claimed 4-2.

Scotsman Anderson took the first set before his opponent hit back to level and, in the third, the Pembrokeshire player twice led after firing in two 180s, when a perfect single dart for double tops gave him a surprise match lead in Lakeside.

Anderson then went on to take the remaining sets but admitted he had not felt comfortable.

He said: "Seriously, I am a good tournament floor or pub player.

"I prefer to be in the shadows and really do not being like on stage in the limelight with the cameras but I know I have to do it because it is my job. But trust me I do not enjoy it."

Fourth seed Scott Waites moved into the quarter-finals, whitewashing Swedish No.1 Alan Norris 4-0. The pair served up an entertaining encounter with Waites hitting nine 180s in the 33-minute clash.

Fifth seed Darryl Fitton came from behind to beat 12th seed Simon Whitlock 4-2 in a hard-fought encounter which included 16 180s, an 11 and two 12-darters. The "Wizard of Oz" Whitlock produced a 12-darter to take the opening set 3-0 before Fitton levelled by taking the second set 3-0, finishing off with a double top.

Whitlock went back ahead but Fitton won the next three sets to claim victory.

Ninth seed Tony O'Shea produced eight 180s to thrash Dutchman Edwin Max 4-0 and reach the last eight. The Stockport grandfather of four was never troubled by the player from the Hague and he made the perfect opening with a 180 to set the tone for the match.