GARY ANDERSON experienced a disappointing 54th birthday as Jeffrey de Graaf unexpectedly crushed his dreams of achieving a third consecutive world title.

Planned festivities, including decorations and a birthday cake, were abandoned when the Flying Scotsman faced a significant 3-0 loss to an unseeded qualifier during his first match at Ally Pally this year.

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This represents the first occasion since December 2009—his first entry into this contest—that he has been ousted in the second round.

It is also the first time he has lost in the opening match of the PDC main tournament.

The two-time world champion suffered a shocking and humiliating defeat—this marks only the third instance in 15 years that he has not managed to win at least one set at this North London venue.

Initially seen as a strong contender with odds of 10-1 for clinching a third Sid Waddell Trophy, with only Luke Littler and Luke Humphries having better odds in the 96-player lineup, many expected him to progress significantly in the lower half of the draw.

Some had even theorized that he could potentially challenge his former rival Michael van Gerwen in the Last 16, but those expectations have now faded.

As the No.14 seed, Anderson successfully hit just three of his 20 attempts at doubles, appearing shocked by the result.

Despite admitting to a decline in physical condition prior to the match, Anderson continues to be one of the sport’s most cherished figures, receiving a warm reception upon entering the arena.

However, he left the stage with a grimace after the TV advertisement break, having missed five of his six double attempts in the first set.

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De Graaf, originally from Holland but representing Sweden internationally, executed impressive checkouts of 120 and 100 as he took control of the early moments of the match.

Anderson showed signs of frustration as he aggressively pulled his darts from the board during the second set, trailing 2-0.

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De Graaf achieved the biggest upset of the tournament so far, showcasing remarkable accuracy in his finishing—his winning 76 finish was part of a successful nine out of twelve double attempts.

The world No.81 is set to face Filipino Paolo Nebrida in the third round after Christmas, feeling optimistic about advancing further.

De Graaf, 34, expressed: “It’s fantastic. Gary didn’t really play like he usually does. I am very happy. I felt pretty nervous after the first set.

“I was somewhat lucky in the second set with him missing many doubles. That gave me a boost in the third set.

“This has been my best year. I’m excited to be here. I’ll continue to push forward. My checkouts were vital.”

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