Gary Anderson is bidding to achieve a special milestone when he takes on Chris Dobey in the third round of the Cazoo World Darts Championship on Wednesday.
Two-time World Champion Anderson continues his bid for a third Sid Waddell Trophy on Wednesday afternoon, as he plays his former protégé Dobey for a place in the last 16.
The Scot has won more games at Alexandra Palace than any other player, and victory over Dobey would bring up a half-century of victories on the sport’s biggest stage.
“This is every dart player’s dream just to stand on that stage,” said Anderson – a five-time World Championship finalist.
“Even me – if I cannot smile coming here – this is what you play darts for.
“I’ve played in the BDO at the Lakeside, but this is the place that you need to be.
“I remember going on the stage for the first time and I couldn’t believe how big it was, never mind the arena. It was frightening!
“It’s just a great atmosphere and a great place for the World Championship.”
Anderson has failed to reach a televised quarter-final since his run to the last four at Alexandra Palace 12 months ago, and his top 16 status is under threat at this year’s showpiece.
However, he kicked off his campaign with a battling 3-1 win over Madars Razma on his 52nd birthday, averaging 96, landing four 180s and converting three ton-plus finishes.
“It was a bit scrappy in places, but a win is a win. Long gone are the days of 107 averages,” quipped Anderson, who played down his title prospects following his victory over the Latvian.
“I don’t know about [winning the title] this year. My game is not even close to what it should be, but I keep trying.
“I’m practising a lot more with Ryan [Searle] who is coming on leaps and bounds. He’s a fantastic player.
“I’ve almost got my head on next year. Start again from scratch, get myself away from the house and start throwing again.
"Whether it happens or not, I cannot honestly say, but that’s the plan anyway!”
Anderson and Dobey were involved in a seven-set classic at Ally Pally during the 2018/19 edition, with the Scot recovering from 2-0 down to deny the Bedlington thrower in a thriller.
The pair fired in a staggering 28 maximums between them in a dramatic last 16 tie, and Dobey insists Anderson is still a force to be reckoned with.
“It’s going to be a great game I hope,” added the three-time TV semi-finalist, who raced past Martijn Kleermaker in straight sets to reach round three.
“I know what Gary is capable of, and he’s not finished yet. Everybody says he’s finished but I know fine well he’s been practising hard with Ryan Searle back home.
“Gary can still turn up and deliver 110 averages, he just doesn’t do it as consistently as he used to, but I’ll be prepared right. I know what I’ve got to do.”
2022/23 Cazoo World Darts Championship
Wednesday December 28
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
3x Third Round
Ryan Searle v Jose de Sousa
Danny Noppert v Alan Soutar
Gary Anderson v Chris Dobey
Evening Session (1900 GMT)
3x Third Round
Joe Cullen v Damon Heta
Michael van Gerwen v Mensur Suljovic
Michael Smith v Martin Schindler