Gary Anderson dares reporters to invade stage in thongs if he wins Matchplay

Gary Anderson has dared reporters to run around the stage wearing yellow thongs if he defies the odds by winning the World Matchplay.

The two-time world champion, a 28/1 outsider with some bookmakers, issued the cheeky challenge after defeating Dave Chisnall 10-6 in his first round match at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Having dropped down the rankings in recent seasons, Anderson is competing as an unseeded player at the tournament for the first time since 2010. But the Flying Scotsman is enjoying a strong 2023 and declared before the tournament that darts pundits and friends who doubt his competitiveness on the big stage is a motivating factor for him.

And as he reflected on his win over Chisnall, he proposed a dare to reporters who are considering writing him off.

READ MORE: Gary Anderson vows to continue darts career because he likes 'upsetting people'

“Here’s one for you,” he began. “If I win Blackpool, if I win this Matchplay, on the night of the final, you all run about that stage with a pair of yellow thongs on. Is that a deal if I win it?”

The reporter the challenge was aimed at replied: “That is not a deal.” Anderson added with a smile: “It’s not a deal? You’ve spoilt it for me. A wee side bet?”

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Anderson then asked if PDC and Sky Sports commentator Dan Dawson would consider accepting the dare. The popular report quipped: “I’m going to do it anyway!”.

On his win over Chisnall, Anderson, who will played Daryl Gurney in round two, said: “I was a bit nervous, but I’ll take the win. Daryl played well tonight [in in beating Rob Cross], and if I play like I did tonight, I will be going home very quickly, so I need to improve.

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“I’m enjoying the game again, and it’s been a long time since I have enjoyed it, and I’m looking forward to Tuesday now.”

Earlier in the night, Gurney condemned Cross to his first opening round exit at the Winter Gardens with a dramatic 12-10 victory, avenging his memorable semi-final defeat to Cross in the 2019 edition.

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