‘It’s a no-no’ – Gary Anderson calls for changes to darts rules over prize money

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

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

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

Anderson could pocket a whopping £120,000 if he pulls out of the tournament.

As well as increasing the purse, Anderson’s wins at the European Championships will improve his position in the PDC order of merit.

Currently, the order of merit is determined by the prize money won by a player in all ranked competitions during a 104-week period.

However, Anderson believes that there must be major changes in the system.

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

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

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

“You know Europeans, the money goes to your overall rating and then the only way you can play in the final is to play in Europe.

“But I don’t think it should be included in the overall ranking. 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 the Europeans, it has to go to the European finals and that’s it. It should not go towards your overall rating.’

Anderson spent a significant amount of time away from the European Tour, but returned last year at the Dutch Darts Championship.

The man dubbed the ‘Flying Scotsman’ also claimed his first European Tour win in a decade when he won the European Grand Prix of Darts in April.

Anderson is ranked 23rd in the PDC rankings, having earned £364,000 over the past two years.

Defending world champion Luke Humphreys tops the list with £1.75m, while Michael Smith comes in second thanks to his two-year prize money of £1.072m.

Teen sensation Luke Littler came in 20th place, earning £397,500, but thanks to his stunning endorsements he was suggested Barry Hearn make £1 million sooner rather than later.