UK Open winner Andrew Gilding: “Darts has completely changed my life. From my late teens to my early 30s, I was suffering with depression. We have a history of it in my family on my father’s side. I was a total recluse at one point, but darts helped me get out again”
Final Up to date: 03/12/23 5:17pm
Andrew Gilding says “darts has completely changed my life” after he revealed he suffered with melancholy from his late teenagers to his early 30s.
Gilding celebrated his maiden TV title on the 2023 UK Open with an unimaginable 11-10 victory over Michael van Gerwen at Butlin’s Minehead Resort again in March, edging out the Dutch celebrity in a last-leg thriller.
The 52-year-old trailed 9-7 at one stage, earlier than combating again brilliantly within the closing levels to grow to be the oldest first-time winner of a PDC premier televised occasion.
“Darts has completely changed my life,” stated Gilding, who’s bidding to progress past the second spherical stage on the World Championship for the primary time in his profession.
“From my late teens to my early 30s, I was suffering with depression. We have a history of it in my family on my father’s side. My Dad had it, and my Grandad had it.
“I used to be a complete recluse at one level, however darts helped me get out once more. I began going to church and I performed the guitar in a church band.
“They even got me up singing at one point which was great preparation for the big stage, because there’s nothing more petrifying than that for me!
“I went from not wanting to indicate my face exterior to then becoming a member of an area darts workforce, and I steadily labored my approach up within the pub leagues.
“A few people said: ‘He’s not good enough to make county’, but I think I just had this inner belief, and the rest is history!”
When is the World Darts Championship?
The game’s largest occasion will likely be held from December 15, 2023 to January 3, 2024 as 96 gamers compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy and £2.5m in prize cash at Alexandra Palace.
Wayne Mardle breaks down the World Darts Championship draw and picks out the robust video games for the seeded gamers.
You possibly can watch all of the motion stay on our devoted Sky Sports activities Darts channel.
Watch the World Darts Championship from December 15, 2023 to January 3, 2024 – stay on Sky Sports activities. Stream your favorite sports activities and extra with NOW
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