John Henderson rises to challenge against Michael van Gerwen in Premier League Darts
"I don't think I've ever witnessed anything like that in my career, it was tremendous"
Friday 8 March 2019 11:19, UK
John Henderson was left "speechless" after delighting his home crowd in Aberdeen by earning a memorable draw against Michael van Gerwen.
Henderson was one of the nine Contenders who stepped in to replace fellow Scot Gary Anderson, and he rose to the challenge on the biggest night of his career as he produced a storming comeback to secure a 6-6 draw on night five of the Premier League.
Van Gerwen appeared to be coasting to a return to winning ways when taking a 5-2 lead with an average of over 100 at a rocking BHGE Arena.
But local favourite Henderson, who was welcomed on stage to "Flower of Scotland" by a bagpiper, refused to be overawed by the occasion, hitting six 180s and averaging 97.38 to secure a point.
It was absolutely fantastic and to do that in front of my home crowd is phenomenal.
"I'm delighted with how it went," said Henderson. "I don't think I've ever witnessed anything like that in my career, it was tremendous.
"I felt emotional on the walk-on and I didn't want to go up there and play badly. To play the best player in the world in your home town, and get a draw, has left me almost speechless.
"At 3-0 down I felt I was playing well, but Michael let me in and I got back into it. I dug in, and I've been doing that this year.
"It was absolutely fantastic and to do that in front of my home crowd is phenomenal."
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