Gruelling game can chew you up and spit you out
DARTS ROAD TO O2 Ando has had to learn to cope
GARY ANDERSON is aiming for a hat-trick of Premier League titles having learned how to cope with the life-changing schedule of the gruelling event.
The Scots star and his rivals complete the regular 15-week campaign tonight in Aberdeen before going on to Finals night at London’s O2 a week later.
Anderson has already qualified and is ready to savour his mouthwatering clash with Michael van Gerwen in the Granite City.
The Dutchman and Peter Wright are also safely through and the two-times world champion reckons experience has been the key to getting a four-month period that can make and break careers.
Anderson said: “You travel up and down the country and to Holland for 15 weeks and basically it all comes down to the three hours at the O2 whether it’s been worth it or not.
“So you have to somehow pace yourself, keep winning and then get yourself bang on form for that one night.
“So much happens in four months, on and off the oche. We all have dramas in our own lives so it’s dealing with that and your form on stage.
“It’s a strange beast but you learn to deal with it. You have to try to switch off from it, not let it dominate your life.
“It has broken a few players down the years, good pals of mine like Mark Webster had a tough time. Michael Smith had a rough tournament a year ago.
“The Premier League can chew you up and spit you out if you’re not careful. I’ve been close to it a few times.
“I’ve had some really bad years which probably makes me appreciate the good years like now. That memory of being at the bottom of the league drives me on to succeed.
“It’s not a nice feeling to be struggling week in, week out. But it can make you a much better player.”
The clash between the world’s No.1 and No.2 headlines tonight’s cracker.
But Ando said: “Everyone knows I don’t sit up all night reading fixture lists and looking at league tables. I know other players do but I have better things to do!
“All I’m bothered about is doing a good job in Aberdeen for the Scottish fans. I’ve got a good record in Aberdeen and I’d like to keep that up.
“It’s important to beat Michael. I like to annoy him and just remind him now and again that I’m here to make his life miserable!
“Seriously, we can’t let him have it all his own way. Every player in the top four is capable of winning. I’ve just got to get myself right for those three hours. If the right me turns up at the O2 I could be that winner.”
Van Gerwen returns to the stage where he set a worldrecord average last year.
“He said: “Last year was fantastic in Aberdeen and it’s a great memory for me. But I have to focus on this week’s game because Gary’s in good form.
“My aim was to finish top and it’s still in my hands, so I’ll do everything I can to achieve it this week.”