Andrew Gilding is a World Matchplay quarter-finalist.
Goldfinger has been performing above all expectations over the past two years or so.
Only six years ago, Gilding was losing his tour card, but now, he’s a major winner and he’s about to play Michael van Gerwen in one of the biggest games of his career.
Gilding heads into this game at the World Matchplay against The Green Machine as an underdog, but speaking to the PDC, the 53-year-old admitted that he’s starting to believe he can win the whole thing.
Gilding noted that he does expect Michael van Gerwen to step things up for this game as he won’t want a repeat of the 2023 UK Open final, but Gilding noted how he usually saves his best performances for MVG.
Andrew Gilding expects Michael van Gerwen to step up a level
Gilding spoke about Mighty Mike and his performance levels heading into this game.
“I wasn’t expecting this to be honest, but I’m starting to believe now,” Gilding admitted.
“I have already got further than I have before here, and that is always my goal – go one better than before!”
“Michael van Gerwen once called me ‘the assassin’, but he’s probably going to step it up isn’t he?”
“That’s what makes him a winner. He’s going to be savage [after the UK Open], but he usually brings the best out of me!”
Van Gerwen will be ready
Gilding is right, Van Gerwen will be more than ready for this game.
Van Gerwen was full of praise for Gilding this week, but he’s aware of the challenge ahead.
“He’s a good player. People underestimate him and I never did that. He’s beat me in a big final once, but I’m not going to let him beat me in the next game, it’s as simple as that,” Van Gerwen said on Sky Sports.
If MVG brings his A-game, Gilding will be blown away in this match, but, as Goldfinger showed in that historic UK Open clash, anything can happen when two quality players are facing off on the oche.