World Darts Championship 2026: Gary Anderson Hits Out at Adam Hunt Over ‘Mind Games’ Claim

Two-time world champion Gary Anderson rewrote the wrongs of last year’s World Darts Championship as he put his shock defeat to Jeffrey de Graaf firmly behind him. 

The ‘Flying Scotsman’ returned to winning ways on the Ally Pally stage with a gritty 3-2 victory over Adam Hunt.

While many expected a routine win, world number 84 Hunt ensured Anderson was made to work for every dart. Hunt even surged into a 2-1 set lead in the race to three and looked the likely winner, but the Scottish legend refused to lie down, digging deep to complete a hard-fought comeback.

“I was risking a heart attack”

Post-match, Anderson joked that the contest nearly took its toll on his health, but admitted he loved every minute of being back on the famous stage.

“I was risking a heart attack; I was loving every minute.”

Reflecting on his performance, Anderson was openly critical of himself after a shaky middle spell.

“I was mad at myself. The first set is how they’ve [his darts] been going. They’ve been going well in Scotland with the exhibitions, but the second and third [sets] they were all over the bloody place.”

With the match levelled at 2-2, Anderson changed his approach and showed his experience when it mattered most.

“I got it back to 2-2. The last set I got stuck in, took my time, and they went where they’re supposed to.”

Despite visible frustration on stage, Anderson’s composure ultimately proved decisive.

Hunt’s performance — and a pointed exchange

It was arguably Hunt’s strongest display on a PDC stage in over a year, though the defeat confirmed the loss of his professional tour card. 

However, Anderson took issue with his opponent’s performance level, hinting at mind games during the contest.

"He's never played like that for the last 12 months.”

"At the first break he popped his head in and went, 'when was the last time you played like that?' I went, I play like that all the time, son."

"Simple as that. Cheeky little…”

The two-time world champion didn’t hold back when discussing his own longevity and pedigree in the sport.

"We talk about mind games. I've probably forgot more about darts than what he ever knows.”

“I’ve played darts a long time, I still bang in the 110 plus average. I can still play the game how it should be.”

Mind games? Anderson stays guarded

Furthermore, when asked whether he felt Hunt was deliberately trying to put him off, Anderson stopped short of a direct accusation, choosing his words carefully.

"That's up to you to decide. I know what I think, but I can't say because they get into trouble.”

Keeping it simple

The interview concluded with Anderson being asked whether opponents trying every trick in the book only boosts his confidence. For the Scot, it’s not something he wants to overthink.

"I just want to play darts. It's not rocket science. You throw your darts and you get out of the boys' way to let him throw. That's it."