Michael van Gerwen on how he respects Gary Anderson but now they call him the part-timer

Not long ago, the biggest match in darts was Michael van Gerwen against Gary Anderson. But the fact that they met in the first round of the World Grand Prix in Leicester last night shows how far the latter star has fallen in recent years. Van Gerwen cruised to a 2-0 victory in a rough encounter, extending Anderson’s miserable year.

The Flying Scotsman came last in the Premier League earlier this year and is unlikely to be selected for next year’s darting roadshow. Since reaching the World Championship Semi-Final Anderson is yet to record back to back wins in a TV event outside of the Premier League. He did not compete in the World Cup of Darts and does not compete on the European Tour.

After locking horns with his old foe in the opening round of the World Grand Prix. MvG speaks about how he would like Anderson to carry on for the next ten years. But in the Practice room, they now call him the part-timer. 

“I got him quite high up because of his talent, his performance and what he’s capable of but I think lately he doesn’t enough for his own game. In the practice room, everyone knows we call him the part-timer. He does whatever he wants. That’s also his right, he’s been on the tour for so long. I like the bloke, I hope he battles on with me for the next ten years.”

“I prefer playing in Dublin because that’s where this tournament should be but now there’s different circumstances. On the other side, it’s always nice to play this tournament.”

“It’s always difficult especially in a format like this in the first round of the World Grand Prix then to play Gary (Anderson), you don’t know where he stands you don’t know what you have to do. You still have to win your game and that makes it tough but in my end I won my game and that’s the most important thing,”