NIGEL HEYDON enjoyed a dream debut victory at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a superb 5-3 triumph over Gary Anderson.The Scotsman, who has reached the semi-finals twice in this competition, started the better by taking the opening two legs.
But Heydon hit back to win five of the next six to defeat the Premier League champion and make a winning start to Group C, setting up a clash with home favourite Wayne Jones on Sunday night.
Anderson hit double ten to break throw comfortably in the opening leg and then doubled his lead courtesy of a 13-dart finish.
Heydon, making his debut at the Grand Slam after winning the Wildcard Qualifier, hit double top to win the third leg and then won the fourth against the darts by landing tops once again.
The undertaker from Leamington Spa hit double top for a third consecutive leg to lead the match for the first time, but Anderson quickly levelled by taking the sixth leg.
Heydon hit a maximum in the next leg and won it with a 66 finish on double nine to move 4-3 up and one leg away from an excellent win, which that was confirmed in the next as he hit a superb 121 checkout on the bullseye to stun the Scotsman.
"I beat Gary the last time we played each other on the Pro Tour and that gave me confidence coming into tonight's game," said Heydon.
"I had been struggling in the early part of the year but over the last couple of months my form has improved and it's almost certainly secured my place in the World Championship next month."
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