Jeffrey de Graaf Upsets Gary Anderson

In a shocking upset at the PDC World Darts Championship, Dutch-Swedish player Jeffrey de Graaf defeated two-time champion Gary Anderson 3-0 on Anderson's 54th birthday. De Graaf's impressive performance included hitting 75% of his doubles and not dropping a leg in the opening sets, while Anderson struggled significantly, converting just three of his 20 attempts at double. This defeat marks the first time Anderson has exited the tournament in the opening round during his 16 appearances. De Graaf's victory not only enhances his status as a rising star in darts but also sets him up for a third-round match against Filipino Paolo Nebrida, who also pulled off a surprise win. Anderson's early exit adds to the trend of seeded players being eliminated in this year's tournament, reflecting a highly competitive field. De Graaf expressed his joy at the win, acknowledging the significance of defeating his childhood idol.