Darts: Gary Anderson in fine form ahead Auckland Darts Masters

Gary Anderson in action. Photo / Getty

Gary Anderson will head to the Auckland Darts Masters in confident mood after taking out the World Matchplay title for the first time.

The Scot defeated Austrian Mensur Suljovic at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool in a thrilling final 21-19 to claim the newly named Phil Taylor trophy for the first time.

Anderson, 46, is only the third man - after Taylor and Michael van Gerwen – to win the World Championship, World Matchplay and Premier League.

At 17-13, he was one leg from victory, but Suljovic won five legs in a row.

Anderson saw a match dart at the bullseye bounce out before he sealed victory with double 10.

"I'm delighted to win this magnificent tournament," Anderson said after securing the win.

"It was a struggle to win, as it always is against Mensur, and I think I rode my luck a bit tonight.

"When the bullseye to win it bounced out it was frustrating but I managed to regain my composure to win it.

"It's been nice to see Phil (Taylor) back in Blackpool this week and the crowd have been fantastic.

"This is a special place for me now and I'll look forward to coming back here next year to defend my title."

The World Matchplay was a great tournament for Anderson, who also completed a nine-dart finish during his quarter-final win over Joe Cullen.

The victory in Blackpool added to March's UK Open triumph over Australian Corey Cadby with another big title in his 10th World Matchplay appearance.

Anderson will join the likes of van Gerwen, Peter Wright, world champion Rob Cross and Aussie stars Simon Whitlock and Kyle Anderson when the World Series of Darts begins its Oceania leg in Auckland on Friday.

The best players in the world will take on New Zealand qualifiers at Trusts Arena before the tour rolls on to Melbourne and Brisbane on the following two weekends.