Gary Anderson made an alarming confession after his big win over Michael van Gerwen at the World Darts Championship.
Old rivals Anderson and Van Gerwen renewed hostilities on Tuesday for a spot in the quarter-finals.
And Anderson got the better of Van Gerwen, beating him 4-1 in their fourth round tie at Ally Pally.
'The Flying Scotsman' averaged 99.1, hit 11 180s and had a double success rate of 38 per cent.
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Van Gerwen had a slightly better average of 99.8 but slammed home less 180s and wasn't as potent on the double compared to his opponent.
Despite the darts legends playing out a thrilling contest, Anderson called out his own performance as well as Van Gerwen's showing.
He claimed they were both 'rotten' and revealed he never 'felt right' on the stage.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Anderson said: "I think I was rotten and Michael was rotten. I knew Michael misses a few doubles now and again, but not that many, so we pinched it at the end. I’m happy to get through.
"I was fired-up, aye," he added. "But I never felt right since I got on the stage and I don’t think Michael felt right. I was trying to feed off him and vice versa. If he hit rubbish, I hit rubbish. If I hit a 180, he follow it with a 180. It was one of those and I am sweating there.”
Who does Gary Anderson play next?
Anderson booked his place in the next round of the World Darts Championship after beating Van Gerwen.
He faces breakout start Justin Hood, who stunned Josh Rock, for a spot in the semi-finals.
On facing Hood, Anderson said: "Justin Hood is a cracking, cracking dart player - he's done fantastic.
"Same with the young Charlie Manby - he's had a great run like some youngsters, Kevin Doets.
"It's been a cracking tournament and it has been different."
The 55-year-old will be aiming to claim the third world title of his storied career.
He's not won the competition since his back-to-back triumphs in 2015 and 2016.
Topics: Darts, World Darts Championship
Nasir Jabbar