Andrew Gilding

Andrew Gilding
Gilding at the 2024 European Championship
Personal information
Nickname	"Goldfinger"
Born	(1970-12-07) 7 December 1970 Earsham, Norfolk, England
Home town	Bungay, Suffolk, England
Darts information
Playing darts since	1990
Darts	25 g Cosmo Goldfinger
Laterality	Right-handed
Walk-on music	"Gold" by Spandau Ballet
Organisation (see split in darts)
BDO	2010–2011
PDC	2012– (Tour Card: 2012–2018, 2021-)
Current world ranking	21 (31 October 2024)
WDF major events – best performances
World Masters	Last 16: 2011
PDC premier events – best performances
World Ch'ship	Last 32: 2016, 2017
World Matchplay	Quarter Final: 2024
World Grand Prix	Quarter Final: 2023
UK Open	Winner (1): 2023
Grand Slam	Last 16: 2023
European Ch'ship	Last 16: 2024
PC Finals	Last 32: 2014, 2022
Masters	Last 24: 2024
World Series Finals	Last 32: 2024
Other tournament wins
Gibraltar Open 2011

Andrew Gilding (born 7 December 1970) is an English professional darts player who plays in events of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). He made his television debut in 2011. He won his maiden televised title at the 2023 UK Open, and became the oldest man to win a major TV title in a debut PDC final appearance.

Career

A former butcher and factory worker, Gilding made his television debut at the 2011 UK Open at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton as a pub qualifier. He defeated Brendan Dolan, Matt Clark, Andy Hamilton before losing 9–2 to Mark Hylton in the last 32 earning himself £2,000 in the process.

Gilding's best result of 2012 was getting to the quarter-finals at the UK Open Qualifier 7 at the NIA Community Hall, Birmingham defeating Joe Cullen, Scott Rand, Mark Hylton and Simon Whitlock before losing 6–3 to Kevin Painter. He headed into 2013 ranked world number 73. Gilding failed to qualify for the 2013 UK Open as he finished 142nd on the Order of Merit, outside of the top 96 who claimed their places. In October, he reached his first semi-final in a PDC ranking event at the tenth Players Championship of the year. Gilding saw off the likes of Dave Chisnall and 2008 BDO World Championship winner Mark Webster before losing 6–2 to five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld. However, at the end of the year his tour card status expired and Gilding was ranked 78th in the world, outside the top 64 who remain on the tour. He entered Q School in an attempt to regain his place and was successful on the first day by beating Jamie Bain 5–0 in his last match.

2014

Gilding reached his first career PDC final at the second UK Open Qualifier, beating the likes of Raymond van Barneveld, James Wade and Phil Taylor to face reigning BDO World Champion Stephen Bunting. He lost 6–5 in a thrilling final but earned £5,000 which saw him qualify for the UK Open. He entered the tournament in the third round and received a bye as Wes Newton withdrew, before being defeated 9–4 by Kevin Painter. He reached his second PDC final just a month later at the first Players Championship in Barnsley. He defeated Jamie Caven, Jelle Klaasen, Michael Smith, Darren Webster and James Wade before he lost 6–5 to Gary Anderson despite averaging a superb 107.70.

Gilding's performances on the Pro Tour during 2014 saw him make his debut at the World Matchplay, where he was whitewashed 10–0 by Adrian Lewis. He also played in the World Grand Prix for the first time and beat Darren Webster 2–0 (sets) in the first round. Gilding faced 11-time winner of the event Phil Taylor in the next round and won the first set, but went on to be defeated 3–1. At the Players Championship Finals he was beaten 6–3 by Mervyn King in the first round.

2015

Gilding earned £25,000 on the Pro Tour Order of Merit during 2014 to be the highest non-qualified player for the 2015 World Championship. He made his debut in the event against Robert Thornton and could only win two legs during the match in a 3–0 loss. His good year saw him start 2015 ranked world number 38, an increase of 40 places from 12 month ago. A semi-final defeat in the fourth qualifier saw Gilding enter the UK Open at the third round stage and he whitewashed Kevin Painter 9–0. Further victories over Jelle Klaasen (9–5) and James Wade (9–6) followed as he reached the quarter-finals of a major event for the first time in his career. Gilding faced Austria's Mensur Suljović and beat him 10–8 to set up a semi-final with world number one Michael van Gerwen. Gilding played the match of his career to date as he averaged 108.37, hit 10 180s and a 10 darter, but it wasn't quite enough to progress to the final as his tournament ended with a 10–8 loss. The £17,000 in prize money he earned saw him achieve his year's goal of breaking into the top 32 on the Order of Merit.

Gilding won his first match at the World Matchplay by holding on from 7–2 ahead of Mervyn King to triumph 10–8. He lost 13–7 to Peter Wright in the second round. Gilding could only win one leg in the first round of the World Grand Prix during a 2–0 set defeat against Simon Whitlock.

2016

After whitewashing Gerwyn Price 3–0 in the first round of the 2016 World Championship, Gilding lost 4–0 to Adrian Lewis picking up just two legs in the process. He was beaten 6–5 by Ryan de Vreede in the second round of the UK Open. Gilding reached the semi-finals of the 10th Players Championship which included a 6–0 thrashing of Jelle Klaasen, but he suffered a 6–0 loss to Dave Chisnall. He qualified for the Players Championship Finals and was edged out 6–5 by Vincent van der Voort.

2017

Gilding was 2–0 down in sets to John Henderson in the opening round of the 2017 World Championship, but rallied to draw level at 2–2. He survived one match dart from Henderson in the deciding set and it would go to a sudden-death leg. Gilding won the bull to throw first and took out a 75 finish to progress. He lost all four sets by three legs to one in the second round against reigning champion Gary Anderson.

2018

Gilding missed out on 2018 PDC World Darts Championship and that sent him down the rankings. He was seeded to the second round of 2018 UK Open, but was not able to win a single leg against Gabriel Clemens, who just gained his Tour card. Throughout the year, Gilding struggled on Players Championship tournaments and he was falling out of top 64. He qualified for two European Tour events – PDC German Darts Championship (and made it to the second round) and PDC European Darts Trophy (where he lost in the first round).

In November he qualified for 2018 Grand Slam of Darts, where he finished last in his round robin group, after losing to Gerwyn Price and Simon Whitlock, his only win came in the last match against Glen Durrant.

After failing to qualify for the last year's tournament, Gilding secured his sport on 2018 Players Championship Finals as 43rd seed. Again he was eliminated by Gabriel Clemens in the first round.

Despite playing on two major events at the end of the year, Gilding did not qualify for 2019 PDC World Darts Championship, fell out of top 64 and lost his Tour card.

2019

Gilding went immediately to UK Q-school trying to get his Tour card back. He made it to last 16 on the third day, but failed in other three tournaments and did not retain the card.

He started well on PDC Challenge Tour and after making it to quarterfinals and semifinals he was placed high in the rankings of this tour. That gave him a chance to be a substitute for the first two tournaments of PDPA Players Championship. Gilding made an appearance there and placed in last 16 in the first tournament.

Gilding used his chance in European tour qualifications and qualified for three events – PDC German Darts Championship, PDC Austrian Darts Open and PDC Czech Open (where placed in last 16). Despite playing on many PDPA Players Championship tournaments throughout the year and three European Tour events, he was not able to break through into top 64 of PDC Order of Merit nor top 2 of Challenge Tour.

2020

Gilding was not successful in UK Q-school for the second time, his best result was last 32 on the second day.

He again started well on PDC Challenge Tour, playing the final on the second tournament. This gave him another chance on PDPA Players Championship and also on PDC Summer Series.

2021

On his third attempt to regain the Tour card, Gilding was successful via Q-school Order of Merit. He placed 2nd overall after consistent results throughout all four days of Final Stage, into which he received automatic spot after finishing in the Top 16 of the 2020 PDC Challenge Tour Order of Merit. Gilding featured in the UK Open for the first time since 2018, and was eliminated in the 3rd round.

2022

Andrew Gilding reached the final of the 2022 Belgian Darts Open losing to Dave Chisnall 6–8 in legs. This marked a serious upturn of form for Gilding.

2023

At the 2023 UK Open, Gilding reached a first televised final and won his first PDC major title, surviving a match dart to defeat Michael van Gerwen 11–10. The £110,000 received in prize money saw him rise up to 25th in the world having been 41st prior to the weekend.

At the 2023 World Grand Prix, Gilding reached the quarter-finals for the first time. He won his first two games before losing to Michael Smith 3–0.

2024

At the 2024 UK Open Gilding defeated Josh Payne 10–7 in the fourth round but lost 10–1 to Peter Wright in the fifth round.

World Championship results

PDC

• 2015: First round (lost to Robert Thornton 0–3)
• 2016: Second round (lost to Adrian Lewis 0–4)
• 2017: Second round (lost to Gary Anderson 0–4)
• 2023: Second round (lost to Dave Chisnall 1–3)
• 2024: Second round (lost to Luke Littler 1–3)

Performance timeline

Tournament	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
PDC Ranked televised events
World Championship	DNQ				1R	2R	2R	DNQ					2R	2R
Masters	DNQ													1R
UK Open	4R	2R	DNQ	4R	SF	2R	3R	2R	DNQ		3R	2R	W	5R
World Matchplay	DNQ			1R	2R	DNQ						1R	1R	QF
World Grand Prix	DNQ			2R	1R	DNQ						1R	QF	DNQ
European Championship	DNQ											1R	1R	2R
Grand Slam of Darts	DNQ							RR	DNQ				2R	DNQ
Players Championship Finals	DNQ			1R	DNQ	1R	DNQ	1R	DNQ			2R	1R
PDC Non-ranked televised events
World Series of Darts Finals	NH		DNQ											1R
WDF Ranked televised events
World Masters	6R	No longer a BDO Member
Career statistics
Year-end ranking (PDC)	-	107	80	38	25	33	57	78	123	146	122	41	18

PDC European Tour

Season	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13
2012	ADO DNQ	GDC DNQ	EDO DNQ	GDM 1R	DDM DNQ
2013	UKM DNQ	EDT DNQ	EDO DNQ	ADO DNQ	GDT DNP	GDC DNQ	GDM DNQ	DDM 1R
2014	GDC DNQ	DDM DNQ	GDM 3R	ADO 2R	GDT DNQ	EDO DNQ	EDG 2R	EDT 2R
2015	GDC DNQ	GDT 1R	GDM 3R	DDM DNQ	IDO DNQ	EDO 1R	EDT DNQ	EDM DNQ	EDG DNQ
2016	DDM DNQ	GDM 1R	GDT DNQ	EDM 1R	ADO DNQ	EDO DNQ	IDO DNQ	EDT DNQ	EDG DNQ	GDC DNQ
2017	GDC DNQ	GDM 1R	GDO DNQ	EDG DNQ	GDT DNQ	EDM DNQ	ADO DNQ	EDO DNQ	DDM DNQ	GDG 1R	IDO DNQ	EDT DNQ
2018	EDO DNQ	GDG DNQ	GDO DNQ	ADO DNQ	EDG DNQ	DDM DNP	GDT DNQ	DDO DNQ	EDM DNQ	GDC 2R	DDC DNQ	IDO DNQ	EDT 1R
2019	EDO DNQ	GDC 2R	GDG DNQ	GDO DNQ	ADO 1R	EDG DNP	DDM DNQ	DDO DNQ	CDO 3R	ADC DNQ	EDM DNQ	IDO DNQ	GDT DNP
2020	Did not play
2021	HDT DNQ	GDT DNQ
2022	IDO DNQ	GDC DNQ	GDG DNQ	ADO DNQ	EDO 2R	CDO DNQ	EDG 3R	DDC SF	EDM DNQ	HDT DNQ	GDO DNQ	BDO F	GDT DNQ
2023	BSD DNQ	EDO DNQ	IDO 2R	GDG QF	ADO 3R	DDC 3R	BDO 2R	CDO 3R	EDG 2R	EDM 2R	GDO QF	HDT 1R	GDC DNQ
2024	BDO 1R	GDG 1R	IDO 1R	EDG 1R	ADO 2R	BSD 3R	DDC 2R	EDO 1R	GDC 3R	FDT 2R	HDT 2R	SDT 2R	CDO DNQ

PDC Players Championships

Season	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25	26	27	28	29	30
2012	ALI DNP	ALI DNP	REA 1R	REA 2R	CRA 3R	CRA 1R	BIR 3R	BIR 1R	CRA 2R	CRA 3R	BAR 2R	BAR 1R	DUB 2R	DUB 1R	KIL 2R	KIL 3R	CRA 1R	CRA 2R	BAR 4R	BAR 1R
2013	WIG 2R	WIG 1R	WIG DNP	WIG DNP	CRA 1R	CRA 1R	BAR 2R	BAR 1R	DUB 1R	DUB SF	KIL 2R	KIL 1R	WIG 1R	WIG QF	BAR 2R	BAR 3R
2014	BAR F	BAR 1R	CRA 1R	CRA 2R	WIG 1R	WIG 4R	WIG 1R	WIG QF	CRA 1R	CRA 4R	COV 1R	COV 1R	CRA 1R	CRA 2R	DUB QF	DUB 3R	CRA 1R	CRA 4R	COV 3R	COV 2R
2015	BAR 1R	BAR SF	BAR 3R	BAR 3R	BAR 2R	COV 2R	COV 1R	COV 2R	CRA 2R	CRA QF	BAR 2R	BAR 1R	WIG SF	WIG 1R	BAR 3R	BAR 2R	DUB 2R	DUB 1R	COV 3R	COV 2R
2016	BAR 1R	BAR QF	BAR 3R	BAR 2R	BAR 3R	BAR 3R	BAR 1R	COV 2R	COV 4R	BAR SF	BAR 1R	BAR 1R	BAR 3R	BAR 1R	BAR 3R	BAR 2R	DUB 3R	DUB 1R	BAR 1R	BAR 3R
2017	BAR 1R	BAR 1R	BAR 1R	BAR 2R	MIL 3R	MIL 1R	BAR DNP	BAR DNP	WIG 4R	WIG 2R	MIL 2R	MIL 1R	WIG 2R	WIG 1R	BAR 2R	BAR 1R	BAR 2R	BAR 1R	DUB QF	DUB 2R	BAR 1R	BAR 1R
2018	BAR 2R	BAR DNP	BAR 2R	BAR 3R	MIL 1R	MIL 1R	BAR 1R	BAR 3R	WIG 1R	WIG 2R	MIL DNP	MIL 2R	WIG 1R	WIG 1R	BAR 1R	BAR 4R	BAR 4R	BAR 2R	DUB SF	DUB 4R	BAR 3R	BAR 2R
2019	WIG 4R	WIG 1R	WIG DNP	WIG DNP	BAR DNP	BAR DNP	WIG DNP	WIG DNP	BAR DNP	BAR DNP	BAR DNP	BAR DNP	BAR DNP	BAR DNP	BAR 1R	BAR 1R	WIG 1R	WIG 1R	BAR 2R	BAR 1R	HIL 2R	HIL 1R	BAR 2R	BAR 1R	BAR DNP	BAR DNP	DUB 1R	DUB 2R	BAR 1R	BAR 2R
2020	BAR DNP	BAR DNP	WIG DNP	WIG 3R	WIG 1R	WIG DNP	BAR 3R	BAR 1R	MIL 1R	MIL 1R	MIL 3R	MIL 2R	MIL 1R	NIE 2R	NIE 1R	NIE 1R	NIE 2R	NIE 2R	COV DNP	COV DNP	COV DNP	COV DNP	COV DNP
2021	BOL 1R	BOL 1R	BOL 1R	BOL 1R	MIL 1R	MIL 2R	MIL 1R	MIL 2R	NIE 2R	NIE 1R	NIE 1R	NIE 1R	MIL 1R	MIL 2R	MIL 2R	MIL 2R	COV 1R	COV 1R	COV 1R	COV 1R	BAR 2R	BAR 4R	BAR 1R	BAR 2R	BAR 1R	BAR 1R	BAR 3R	BAR 1R	BAR 1R	BAR 2R
2022	BAR 1R	BAR 2R	WIG 1R	WIG 2R	BAR 3R	BAR 3R	NIE DNP	NIE DNP	BAR F	BAR 1R	BAR 2R	BAR 2R	BAR 3R	WIG 4R	WIG 2R	NIE QF	NIE 1R	BAR QF	BAR F	BAR 4R	BAR 2R	BAR 2R	BAR 4R	BAR 1R	BAR 2R	BAR 1R	BAR 1R	BAR 1R	BAR 2R	BAR 4R
2023	BAR 1R	BAR 3R	BAR QF	BAR 3R	BAR 1R	BAR 2R	HIL 2R	HIL 1R	WIG 1R	WIG 4R	LEI 2R	LEI SF	HIL 2R	HIL QF	LEI 3R	LEI QF	HIL QF	HIL 4R	BAR 4R	BAR 1R	BAR 3R	BAR 3R	BAR 2R	BAR 2R	BAR 2R	BAR 4R	BAR 4R	BAR 3R	BAR 2R	BAR 1R
2024	WIG 3R	WIG 2R	LEI 2R	LEI 1R	HIL 1R	HIL 2R	LEI 2R	LEI QF	HIL 4R	HIL 3R	HIL 2R	HIL 1R	MIL QF	MIL 1R	MIL 3R	MIL 1R	MIL 2R	MIL 3R	MIL 1R	WIG 3R	WIG 2R	LEI 1R	LEI 3R	WIG 3R	WIG SF	WIG 1R	WIG 3R	WIG 3R	LEI 3R	LEI 2R

Performance Table Legend
W	Won the tournament	F	Finalist	SF	Semifinalist	QF	Quarterfinalist	#R RR Prel.	Lost in # round Round-robin Preliminary round	DQ	Disqualified
DNQ	Did not qualify	DNP	Did not participate	WD	Withdrew	NH	Tournament not held			NYF	Not yet founded

PDC Major finals: 1 (1 title)

Legend
UK Open (1–0)

Outcome	No.	Year	Championship	Opponent in the final	Score	Ref.
Winner	1.	2023	UK Open	Michael van Gerwen	11–10 (l)

External links

• Andrew Gilding player profile at Darts Orakel
• Official Website