‘It’s a no-no’: Gary Anderson calls for change to darts rules with prize money complaint

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

Anderson booked his place in the quarter-finals of the European Championship thanks to a 10-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen in Dortmund.

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The win also boosted Anderson’s bank balance, with all the quarter-finalists pocketing at least £20,000.

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

Aside from a strengthened wallet, Anderson’s victories at the European Championship will improve his position in the PDC order of merit.

As things stand, the order of merit is decided based on the prize money won by a player in all qualifying events over a 104-week period.

However, Anderson believes there should be a big change to the system.

It would also mean that their efforts at the European Championship will largely be in vain.

“Well, Europeans, since they started betting European money on overall merit (in 2016), the main qualification, yes, it’s difficult,” Anderson said after his victory over Van Gerwen.

“You know, I haven’t played Europeans in eight years and you have to remember that I was in the top 10 for about six of the eight years that I missed all the Europeans. So (the way I) look at it, I’ve done well in do that.

“You know, the Europeans, the money goes to 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 appear in the overall standings. I think that’s a no-no.”

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“No, there are enough tournaments and Pro Tours abroad that the Europeans… If you play against the Europeans, you should go to the European final and that’s it. It shouldn’t go to your general classification.”

Anderson had spent considerable time away from the European Tour, but returned last year at the Dutch Darts Championship.

The man nicknamed ‘The Flying Scotsman’ also claimed his first European Tour victory in ten years when he emerged victorious at the European Darts Grand Prix in April.

Anderson is ranked 23rd in the PDC’s order of merit and has earned £364,000 in the last two years.

Defending world champion Luke Humphries tops the list having collected £1.75m, followed by Michael Smith in second place thanks to his two-year-old prize money of £1.072m.

Teen sensation Luke Littler is in 20th place, having pocketed £397,500, but thanks to his amazing endorsements, he has been tip by Barry Hearn to win £1 million sooner rather than later.