UK Open darts champ Andrew Gilding celebrates win with cult snack in bizarre tradition ahead of potential Littler clash
REIGNING UK Darts champ Andrew Gilding has revealed how he celebrated the start of his successful defence with a now traditional cult snack.
The 52-year-old became the oldest first-time winner of a darts major when shocking Michael van Gerwen a year ago.
That secured him a £110,000 prize pot, which he used some of to buy replica guitars of those used by legends Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page.
He defeated Josh Payne yesterday 10-7 to start the defence of his UK Open crown – but there would be no fancy grub to mark that achievement.
‘Goldfinger’ revealed how last year’s final finished so late he was unable to order any food to eat, forcing him to delve into an instant favourite.
Gilding said: “When I won it last year there were no takeaways open so I had to eat a Pot Noodle to celebrate.
“So I actually brought a couple of Pot Noodles and I’ll eat one tonight out of tradition.
“I have got a chicken and mushroom or beef and tomato. Maybe I’ll have beef and tomato with a little bit of extra ketchup, I bring my own.”
Ex-world champ Michael Smith also loves a Pot Noodle, but he revealed why he could not have one after his victory over Josh Cullen.
He said: “I had a Pot Noodle for lunch before I came here so that’s out of the window.
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“I have a standing order, I get some sent every month.”
Gilding will be hoping to enjoy another tonight by toasting a win over Peter Wright, while Smith faces Luke Woodhouse this afternoon.
Luke Littler, who beat Gilding on his incredible Ally Pally run to the final, could potentially be next in line for the two men if all three advance in the tournament.
The 17-year-old reached the last-32 yesterday by beating James Wade 10-7.
He takes on Martin Schindler next at 1.50pm.
Littler is the bookies favourite to win, to which he said: “I have not even thought about it, but I know if my game is there every match then I don’t see why I can’t win it.
“I don’t mind who I play. It is what I dreamed of, playing in front of thousands every week, I just take it in my stride.”