Jeffrey de Graaf reveals message to Gary Anderson before shock World Championship win
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Jeffrey de Graaf stunned Gary Anderson on the Scotsman’s birthday at the World Darts Championship on Sunday and he had pre-warned him not to expect a present from him on the Alexandra Palace stage. The 34-year-old was impressive as he hit 75 per cent of his doubles and capitalised on an underwhelming performance from the two-time world champion.
![[2024/25 Paddy Power World Darts Championship - Day Eight]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2191100843.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
It was a special victory for the man who represents Sweden, having been a big fan of Anderson for 20 years, ever since the Flying Scotsman was one of the stars of the BDO circuit. ‘It’s a dream come true for me,’ said De Graaf. ‘He’s been my idol since I was 14 years old. What he’s capable of is unbelievable but he didn’t really show up today. I got my chances and I took them immediately. I’m very happy!’.
![[2024/25 Paddy Power World Darts Championship - Day Eight]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2191096782.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Anderson turned 54 on Sunday, something De Graaf knew before their game and he made the point of wishing him happy birthday, but also reminded him that he was not handing out gifts at Ally Pally. ‘I was aware. I congratulated him in the practice room,’ he said of Anderson’s birthday. ‘I felt It was a couple of hours ago, so I felt let’s do it in the beginning, because I knew it was his birthday.
![[2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship - Day Two]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1859786733.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘I also told him, don’t expect any presents tonight. He didn’t expect this of course. I shocked myself as well!’. On what Anderson told him after the game, De Graaf said: ‘He congratulated me of course with the win. but there was not much talk. Maybe he said some more words but they got away from me. I was just at that moment just celebrating and being happy.’.
