‘No no’ – Gary Anderson calls for darts rules to be changed with prize money complaint

Two-time world champion Gary Anderson wants to see big changes that could shake up darts in the future.

Anderson booked his place in the European Championship quarter-finals with a 10-4 win over Michael van Gerwen in Dortmund.

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The victory also increased Anderson’s bank balance, with all quarter-finalists receiving at least £20,000.

Anderson could earn a whopping £120,000 if he wins the tournament.

As well as boosting his wallet, Anderson’s European Championship wins will improve his standing in the PDC Merit Rankings.

As it stands, the order of merit is determined by the prize money won by a player in all ranked tournaments over a 104-week period.

However, Anderson believes big changes need to be made to the system.

It will also mean that his efforts at the European Championships are largely in vain.

“Well, the Europeans, since they started putting European money on overall merit (in 2016), on the main ranking, yeah, it’s difficult,” Anderson said after his win over Van Gerwen.

“You know, I haven’t competed in the European Championships for eight years, and you have to remember that I stayed in the top 10 for about six of the eight years, missing out on all the Europeans. So (from the point of view) I look at it, I’ve done it well.

“You know, Europeans, the money goes towards your overall ranking, and then the only way to play in the final is to play in the Europeans.

“But I don’t think it should be included in the overall rankings. I think it’s a no-no.”

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“No, there are enough tournaments and Pro Tours abroad for the Europeans… If you play the Europeans, it has to reach the European final and that’s it. This should not affect your overall rating.”

Anderson spent significant time away from the European Tour but returned last year at the Dutch Darts Championships.

The man nicknamed “The Flying Scotsman” also scored his first European Tour victory in a decade with victory at the European Grand Prix of Darts in April.

Anderson is 23rd on the PDC merit chart, having earned £364,000 over the past two years.

Reigning world champion Luke Humphreys tops the list with £1.75 million in earnings, while Michael Smith is second thanks to his two-year prize money of £1.072 million.

Teen sensation Luke Littler is in 20th place, earning £397,500, but thanks to his overwhelming support he was on the advice of Barry Hearn earn £1 million sooner rather than later.