Andrew Gilding has caused one of the biggest surprises in PDC Tour history in defeating Michael van Gerwen to win the UK Open.
The 52-year-old, who had never prevailed in a PDC tournament, defied deficits of 6-4 and 8-5 in the final to remarkably record a 11-10 victory over the Dutchman.
Gilding, who begun the tournament as the world number 41, also came through matches with Martin Schindler and Adam Gawlas on Sunday to secure the £110,000 winner's cheque.
The Suffolk veteran went into the final having failed to defeat Van Gerwen in six previous attempts, including a semi-final showdown at this event in 2015.
However. after finding himself 2-0 down courtesy of 68 and 135 checkouts from his opponent, Gilding reeled off four legs to ensure that the final would be competitive.
🏆 GLORY FOR GOLDFINGER! 👍
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 5, 2023
HE HAS DONE IT!
Andrew Gilding defeats Michael van Gerwen in a thrilling deciding leg to become the 2023 Cazoo UK Open CHAMPION!!
It's a first ever televised title for the 52-year-old, what a moment for Goldfinger! pic.twitter.com/4MOuYkRxDW
Van Gerwen rallied to take six of the next seven legs but blew multiple darts to move 9-6 ahead at the third interval, Gilding taking out 277 in six darts to steal the 15th leg.
Although Van Gerwen extended his lead to 9-7, Gilding remained nerveless, on the outside at least, as he made it 9-9, yet he was powerless to stop Van Gerwen moving one away from the title with a majestic 170 finish.
Nevertheless, Gilding responded with a 180 to start the penultimate leg, helping him set up what at one stage appeared to be an unlikely final leg.
While Van Gerwen had the darts, Gilding sensationally left 76 after nine legs, and after Van Gerwen missed one dart to check out 102, Gilding hit double 20 with the first dart of his next visit to cap a life-changing tournament for a player who catapults himself to world number 24.
