Andrew Gilding was in shock after beating Michael van Gerwen within the UK Open ultimate regardless of not taking part in “particularly brilliant darts”.
Gilding defied the percentages to clinch a maiden televised title with an surprising 11-10 win over three-time world champion Van Gerwen at Butlin’s Minehead Resort on Sunday.
The 52-year-old was showing in his first televised ultimate and recovered from 9-7 down late within the piece to cease Van Gerwen from getting his arms on a fourth UK Open crown.
Van Gerwen checked out 170 to place him inside a leg of victory and, after Gilding additionally survived a match dart in a nail-biting decider, he pinned double prime to choose up the £110,000 prize, ending a six-match dropping run towards the Dutchman.
Gilding instructed the PDC TV: “I can’t believe it. I didn’t expect to win that game. I played steady all weekend, but I didn’t feel like I played particularly brilliant darts.
“The crowd were absolutely amazing. I have been practising more, working hard and it’s paying off. Now I’ve got to win all of these major titles.”
Success for Gilding moved him into the world’s prime 25 and likewise assured him a spot in November’s Grand Slam of Darts.
World quantity three Van Gerwen had the beating of two of his Premier League rivals, Nathan Aspinall and Dimitri Van den Bergh, on finals day to safe his spot in one other TV ultimate.
The 33-year-old overcame Aspinall with a mean of 99 within the final eight, earlier than he booked a spot within the ultimate with a ninth straight victory towards Van den Bergh.
Van Gerwen stated: “To play games like this are always difficult. Andrew had nothing to lose and I think he played really well.
“I think I made many mistakes and I know that, but I’m the only one to blame and fair play to Andrew.
“At this moment I can’t find many positives. I’m here to win tournaments and when you don’t do that it’s disappointing.
“It is painful for me. It hurts. Everybody knows what I’m like, but I will take it on the chin. Credit to Andrew. He had a phenomenal tournament.”