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'I’ve been known to give a fist now and again' – Andrew Gilding threatens to unleash his inner Gerwyn Price if he wins World Matchplay

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 10:48 AM ET

Andrew Gilding has told Dartsnews.com, he may channel his inner Gerwyn Price and start showing a bit of emotion on the oche – but only if he continues his stunning Blackpool run all the way to the World Matchplay title.

The 53-year-old booked back-to-back quarter-final appearances at the Winter Gardens on Monday night, producing a dominant 11–5 victory over Dirk van Duijvenbode to continue his quietly devastating form.

The former UK Open champion raced into a 5–0 lead with a trio of 13-darters in the opening session and never looked back, averaging over 100 and landing 52% of his doubles in what was a second standout display in as many rounds. “I can’t believe it,” Gilding admitted in his post-match press conference. “I can’t believe I played so well in two games in a row. I went off like a rocket – it felt good, actually.”

Gilding averaged 111 during the opening five legs and said even he was surprised by how strong his start was. “In the first leg I knew I was playing well,” he said. “Then after that, I thought, you’ve just got to keep going.”

The unassuming Suffolk thrower has become something of a cult hero among darts fans for his methodical playing style and soft-spoken interviews – something he’s embraced, albeit with a smile. “Am I a cult hero?” he laughed. “I don’t really do any theatricals, but if that’s what people want to see…”

But Gilding hinted that if the stakes continue to rise this week, so might the volume of his celebrations.“No, I’m not going to beat my chest. I’m not going to act,” he said. “I have been known to give a fist now and again. I think maybe, as we get further into the tournament, I’ll start doing that."

And as for going full on Gerwyn Price? "Yeah, that would be a viral moment!” Gilding chuckles.

The 2023 UK Open champion has now reached back-to-back Matchplay quarter-finals, having fallen short in a marathon battle with Michael van Gerwen last year. It was a match that taught Gilding the importance of managing his energy levels – something he’s taken into this year's campaign with care.

“I learned I need to take some sugar tablets or something to keep the energy up,” he said. “That got me last year – I felt low on energy. I’ve got them with me now, just in case. Being a type-two diabetic, I’ve got to keep an eye on that.”

Gilding admitted the two-and-a-half-day wait between matches hadn’t helped his rhythm either: “I’d just been watching Netflix, not really getting much exercise. I felt pretty rough, to be honest.”

“I beat Luke Littler at the European Championship"

But if he continues to perform like this, few will want to face him. He’ll return to the Winter Gardens stage later this week to face either Luke Littler, someone Gilding already has history with. “I beat him at the European Championship, so I’ll be looking for another win,” he said. “We’re 1-1 now – need to go 2-1 up, don’t we?”

Gilding also believes he's currently playing the most consistent darts of his career. “Definitely more consistent than I used to be,” he said. “I’m getting to the floor tournaments, I’m getting there – personality, not being lazy, having a good breakfast, all that business. Being professional.”

While many players seem to ride the energy of the crowd, Gilding’s approach remains uniquely grounded. “Some players can feed off the atmosphere,” he said. “My game is, I just let it all wash over.”

That understated demeanour was on full display again when asked about his pre-match playlist. “I’m afraid Ozzy Osbourne died yesterday. It was a sad day, really,” said Gilding, who revealed he owns a Tony Iommi signature guitar. “I like a bit of Black Sabbath… I’ve been kind of collecting guitars – much to the disappointment of my other half!”