Gilding’s Hit List: Goldfinger Talks

OUR guest correspondent caught up with the new UK Open Champion shortly after his fairytale win:

The 2023 Cazoo UK Open was such an exciting tournament, and seemed to have it all from the early stages. With the Rileys qualifiers showing their worth early on and making their way through the rounds. Most notable were youngsters Thomas Banks and Luke Littler getting into the last 64.

The fairytale of one man, Andrew Gilding “Goldfinger” began in Round 3, defeating good friend Darren Webster. The last 64, defeating Ricky Evans 10-5. Last 32 seeing off an in-form Luke Woodhouse, and a great battle in the last 16 against Brendan Dolan coming out victorious 10-8. This then set up a quarter-final clash with Martin Schindler, which he came out on top 10-4. The Semi-final was next up on Sunday and saw him competing against an in-form and another player who had crept through under the radar, possibly due to the success and run of form from Ritchie Burnett, Adam Gawlas.

This was the second time Gilding had reached the semis, having lost to MVG previously in 2015. It was a fantastic matchup and the draw that I’m sure both guys had hoped for, Gilding winning 11-6 and showing his form was still going strong. Could he go all the way, was the question on everyone’s lips.

The final saw him come up against MVG and went all the way, with MVG missing 102 shot out and one dart at double 16. The crowd was in full song singing “Gold” and to a good tune, everyone likes an underdog, but everyone loves “Goldfinger” and his trademark thumb salute and very casual, almost emotionless style of play.

I had the pleasure of joining Andrew and his good lady Jean for a celebration a couple of nights later. One of the first things Andrew wanted to do as a major winner, was to go and watch his super league team, Cedars Park, and have a celebration with everyone. I got to ask Andrew a few questions during the night.

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SH – Obviously were here watching your super league team tonight, I know you’re not playing much this year due to PDC event commitments, but did you find that playing super league last year and county games has helped with your recent form?

AG – I think with the county and super league games it has helped in a way with performance, almost going back to grass roots to find yourself. Most importantly though it has kept me grounded.

SH – Did you believe in your early PDC days that one day you would win a Major event, like the UK open?

AG – In the early days of playing in the PDC it was more of a dream to win a major, than a belief. I did have a good run in 2014 making some finals and in the UK Open reaching the Semi-finals in 2015 which made the dream become more of a reality. I’d always thought that I would win a players or euro tour event before a major, coming close, most recently last September losing to Chizzy.

SH – What has changed in the last 6 to 12 months to really boost your level and confidence?

AG – I think it was the end of last year, I said to myself that I ned to take it a bit more seriously, more practicing and change my sometimes lazy and laid back attitude towards practicing.

SH – Why do you think it’s taken so long to reach the very top and win the event, in between major event successes?

AG – I only really started playing darts properly, as in pub leagues when I was about 30. I then progressed and started playing with Walsham sports clubs super league team around 2011. It’s a hard field out there and the standard of player is progressing each year.

SH – Talking of super league, do you prefer to play in a team or individual events?

AG – To be honest, I love playing in a team because of the camaraderie of a team, however I find it harder because there’s more pressure on you to win. No one wants to let their team down, but in an individual tournament, your just letting yourself down and feel less pressure.

SH – Aside from becoming UK open champion, what is your greatest darting memory?

AG – There are a few that I will never forget, like losing to MVG in 2015 in the semi-final. A players championship match versus Gary Anderson where I averaged around 108 but lost to him with a 111 average. But I think beating Phil Taylor in the semi-final of the UK open qualifier in Wigan is probably the best memory until now.

SH – What are your thoughts on all the youth academies and tournaments and how this will change the game, and do you have any tips for youth players or players just starting?

AG – I think the academies are amazing, the game is attracting a wider audience now and its so good for building confidence in players. It obviously means everyone in the game at the moment has to be at the top of their game because of the standard coming into it. A great piece of advice would be, don’t be afraid to be nervous. I always find that a little bit of butterflies in your stomach helps, although I was very calm playing MVG in the final, which I think keeping my composure helped me win it.

SH – What are your plans moving forward from this epic win, will your training stay the same or will you be putting more hours in?

AG – Try and get my head back on and win lots more titles, I am saving up for a new home with my partner Jean. Regarding training, as I said earlier, I’m definitely going to be taking things a bit more seriously.

SH – Who was or are your darting idols or heroes?

AG – One person that I love to watch is RVB, his throw is so natural. John Lowe has always been a favourite of mine, his composure under pressure was brilliant, hence his nickname Stone face.

SH – Who is your nemesis or a player you hate being drawn against?

AG – Darren Websters a nightmare to play as we know each other and he’s a good laugh, I don’t have a too bad a record against him though. My nemesis probably was MVG, he’s taken some beating, but I’ve done it now. I have a sheet at home with certain names on and I’ve been ticking them off as I beat them.

SH – What are your thoughts on the James Bond-themed memes with yourself?

AG – You have to laugh at them as some are really good, Darren Webster usually sends them to me. It’s part of life now, all the social media stuff.

It was a privilege to be able to ask Andrew a few questions and get to know him a little better. The new people’s favourite, the fans love this humble man and they enjoy singing his walk-on song choice.

Goldfinger’s success may rejuvenate a lot of people’s dreams or beliefs in their own darting careers. So from myself and I’m sure everyone is a big golden thumbs up and thank you.

——ENDS——

Words: Stu Huggins

Images: As Supplied

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