Gary Anderson could be forgiven for thinking it was not going to be his night in the World Matchplay final.
The Scot was on the verge of lifting the newly-titled Phil Taylor Trophy at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, advancing into a 17-13 lead in a race to 18.
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT | Gary Anderson hit and the bullseye to win it….but it bounces out!!! ???#BVDarts #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/Zd4TjiAdCo
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 29, 2018
But Mensur Suljovic produced a sensational comeback to level things up at 17-17, meaning the match had to be settled by two clear legs.
Anderson regained his composure to move 19-18 ahead, yet what came next was hard to believe with 121 required for the win.
The 47-year-old hit treble 20 and single 11 to set up bullseye, only for his last dart to bounce out of the target in dramatic fashion, leaving the two-time world champion furious.
ANDERSON IS THE 2018 BETVICTOR WORLD MATCHPLAY CHAMPION
Gary Anderson defeats Mensur Suljovic 21-19 in the longest Matchplay final ever
The greatest ever @BetVictor World Matchplay final….?#BVDarts #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/B5s9rMkInF
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 29, 2018
Anderson held his nerve though, hitting tops to secure a 21-19 triumph and complete the triple crown following his World Championship and Premier League victories.
The final was seen as one of the best in Matchplay history as both players averaged over 101 and threw 14 maximums each.