World Darts Championship: Gary Anderson relishing semi-final showdown with Michael van Gerwen

Gary Anderson insists the pressure is all on Michael van Gerwen in Saturday’s World Darts Championship semi-final.

‘Mighty Mike’ looked in imperious form during his quarter-final victory over Robert Thornton on Thursday, averaging 105.3 with a 47.5 per cent checkout success rate.

But Anderson also impressed during his 5-1 rout of fellow Scot Peter Wright, and he believes his experience could prove crucial against the reigning champion.

“I can score as good as him,” said Anderson, who averaged 102.1 against Wright. “If I didn’t think I could beat him I wouldn’t be here, it’s as simple as that.

I can score as good as him. If I didn’t think I could beat him I wouldn’t be here, it’s as simple as that.

“You’ve got to remember that it’s just been the last two years that Michael has come on the scene. I’ve been about a long time.”

The players met in the third round at Alexandra Palace last year, where Van Gerwen registered a 4-3 victory, while the Dutchman also edged a narrow win when they faced off in the Premier League semi-finals.

But Anderson finished 2014 strongly, winning the Players Championship Finals in December, and he is confident of making it third time lucky against Van Gerwen on Saturday evening.

“The pressure has been on Michael from day one,” said the world No 4. “I’m going to enjoy it. Michael played well against Robert (Thornton), who also played well, and that game could have went either way. He has done well but he still has to learn a lot. For me, Taylor is still the guvnor.”

Anderson reached the 2011 final at Ally Pally, where he was beaten 7-5 by Adrian Lewis, and the 44-year-old is focused on going one better this year.

“You talk about the young boys and what they’re going to do, but us old lads can still chip away at the dartboard,” he said.

“There’s still fight in me and for as long as I’m in the tournament I’m going to give 110 per cent.”

He added: “I can remember Michael when he was a young lad. He played just like he plays now but went off the boil for a long, long time.

“He’s on a high now, he’s buzzing and is enjoying a purple patch. He’s got to keep it going though.”

Watch the PDC World Championship live on Sky Sports Darts from December 18. For information on how to upgrade to Sky Sports head to www.skysports.com/watch/get-sky.

Watch the Darts World Championship on NOW TV with a Sky Sports Day or Week Pass. No contract.

Don't forget you can follow @SkySportsDarts on Twitter for all the latest news and views from the world of Darts.