Grand Slam of Darts: Anderson for glory after groups announced?

While much of the attention is focused on world number one Michael van Gerwen and six-time Grand Slam trophy claimant Phil Taylor, Coral experts instead turn our attentions to back in-form arrowsmith Anderson.

The Flying Scot is 4/11 favourite to come out tops in Group E, with opponents such as fading giant Raymond van Barneveld, American BDO outsider Larry Butler and Andy Boulton, who is ranked 77th in the world.

Should the Scottish sharpshooter finish as expected at his table’s summit, or as one of the top two, next on the cards for a second round clash could be one of James Wade, Keegan Brown, Mark Webster or Michel van der Horst.

Looking at that list of names, with Anderson likely to avoid the Bullet, you’d fancy the lethal East Lothian to navigate his way to at least the quarters. However, as viewers will know, darts can be a fickle sport with incredibly fine margins, which is what makes it so fascinating.

The Flying Scotsman himself has been on the end of some recent surprise results, falling at early hurdles in the World Grand Prix and World Matchplay.

It has been an undoubtedly disappointing run for the world champion and Premier League holder, but his superb second-spot finish behind rival Michael van Gerwen in the European Championship hinted, finally, at a return to form.

Anderson was long overdue to be a televised finalist again and, after expertly dispatching Adrian Lewis in the semis, took an early lead against Mighty Mike in the grand finale. Yet, the 44-year-old let slip the last four legs to eventually be beaten 11-10.

Well done Mvg great game of darts! Thanks to everyone for all your tweets and bad ones not at all a bad loser will sleep well tonight! — Gary Anderson (@GaryAnderson180) November 1, 2015

Speaking afterwards Anderson said: “I’ve no complaints with my game because I feel I played really well for most of the weekend but I just took my foot off the gas unconsciously in the final session and I lost it.

“Michael played well to win the last four legs but I know and he’ll know I chucked that game away when I had it won and I was angry with myself.

“Perhaps it will do me good and is a kick up the a**e at the right time of the year heading into some major events,” added the Scotsman, who seems to be flying again.

“The Grand Slam is a big tournament and I’m going there to win”, finished the defiant dartsman, and you can back him with Coral at a brilliant 9/2 to take the Grand Slam title.

The Grand Slam of Darts 2015 full group draw

Group A: Michael Van Gerwen, Kim Huybrechts, Steve West, Mark Oosterhuis

Group B: Ian White, Jelle Klaasen, Steve Beaton, Martin Adams

Group C: Adrian Lewis, Michael Smith, Wayne Jones, Andy Fordham

Group D: Peter Wright, Dave Chisnall, Mervyn King, Scott Mitchell

Group E: Gary Anderson, Raymond van Barneveld, Andy Boulton, Larry Butler

Group F: James Wade, Keegan Brown, Mark Webster, Michel van der Horst

Group G: Robert Thornton, Terry Jenkins, Johnny Clayton, Geert De Vos

Group H: Phil Taylor, Rowby-John Rodriguez, Robbie Green, Martin Phillips

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