MUSSELBURGH ace Gary Anderson fell at the final hurdle in his bid to become a three-time PDC world darts champion.

Anderson (pictured, by Nigel French/PA Wire), who grew up in the Honest Toun, was beaten 7-3 in the final by pre-tournament favourite Michael Van Gerwen on Monday.

The 46-year-old was hoping to emulate Eric Bristow (1984-86) and Phil Taylor (1995-2002 and 2004-06) by becoming only the third man to win three successive world titles.

He played his part in a thrilling final, averaging 104.93, while he set a new individual World Championship match record of 22 180s to extend his overall tally to 71 – another tournament best, which beat his 2015 mark of 64.

The pair’s combined total of 42 maximums was also the world record number of 180s in a single game

Anderson praised the outstanding Dutchman for a superb season, and thanked his family and friends for their support through social media

He tweeted: “Thanks for all your support, Michael too good tonight, wasn’t meant to be.

“Well done Michael, brilliant, well deserved and a great way to end and start the year. The year you had [was] second to none, well done.”