Michael van Gerwen believes his latest meeting with Gary Anderson could be one of the stand-out ties of the tournament, as the pair prepare to renew their famous rivalry at Alexandra Palace tonight.
The three-time World Champion will face Scottish icon Anderson for a place in the Paddy Power World Darts Championship quarter-finals on Tuesday evening, as the pair lock horns for the 77th time.
Van Gerwen holds the overall advantage, having claimed 51 victories to Anderson’s 22, alongside three stalemates in the Premier League.
The Dutchman also boasts the stronger record on the World Championship stage, winning three of their four meetings at Alexandra Palace, including their clash in the 2016/17 final.
Van Gerwen also defeated Anderson in their last encounter, having averaged 108 in a 5-2 win over the Scot at last month’s Grand Slam of Darts.
“I expect a lot from that game because Gary’s playing some fantastic darts,” said Van Gerwen, who has beaten Mitsuhiko Tatsunami, William O’Connor and Arno Merk to reach the last 16.
“Everyone says ‘the old Gary’s back’. He’s averaging 102, 103 and I’m averaging about 99, 100 and I’m just doing OK, so that’s a good sign for me.
“I’m really looking forward to playing Gary. When you play him, there’s always room for fireworks.
“We have had so many great battles, and I hope we will have another great battle here. If I can’t enjoy games like this anymore, that’s the day I will retire!
“I think it will be one of the best games to watch in the next round.”
Anderson, meanwhile, has been one of the stand-out performers at Alexandra Palace, averaging 105 and 102 in victories over Connor Scutt and Jermaine Wattimena respectively.
This was preceded by a deciding-set win against Adam Hunt, while he also fought off Wattimena in a seventh and final set, where he also missed double 12 for a nine-darter.
Nevertheless, the 55-year-old insists he is approaching the contest with freedom and little pressure.
“I’m just here to cause a headache,” claimed the two-time World Champion.
“Michael knows what he’s going to get with me. It’s just which one turns up!
"I'm at a time now where, if I win then great, if I lose I get to go home, so it's a win-win situation no matter what."
2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship
Tuesday December 30
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
Round Four x3
Luke Woodhouse v Krzysztof Ratajski
Jonny Clayton v Andreas Harrysson
Justin Hood v Josh Rock
Evening Session (1900 GMT)
Round Four x3
Charlie Manby v Gian van Veen
Michael van Gerwen v Gary Anderson
Luke Humphries v Kevin Doets