Anderson rules out a Premier League return

Gary Anderson has again ruled out a return to Premier League Darts as the Scotsman got the better of his old foe Michael van Gerwen.

Anderson has posted some of his best numbers in 2024, even higher than when he was back-to-back world champion.

Fans have longed to see Anderson back on one of the showpiece PDC events after missing or not being selected for many.

In terms of the PDC Order of Merit, Anderson himself is now ranked twenty-first. However, the Scot has no plans to return to the Premier League Darts scene, even if he wins every tournament from now until the end of the year.

“I’d like to get to number one and retire on the spot. That would cause a lot of grief,” he laughs. “I’ve spoken with my manager about the Premier League. I’ve done it for so many years, fantastic. Couldn’t do it now.”

Anderson has advanced to the 2024 European Championship quarterfinals in Dortmund. After easily defeating long-time opponent Michael van Gerwen 10–4 in the second round, “The Flying Scotsman” now faces Ritchie Edhouse.

Early in the match, Van Gerwen threw out 107 to take a break, but he lost it almost away. Anderson took the lead with a finish of 60 and a 13-darter. Anderson led 4-1 at the half thanks to a 12-darter and a 14-darter. The score changed to 5-1 for the Scot after the intermission. Even after Anderson’s 12-darter for a 7-3 advantage, that gap held steady.

Anderson then threw out 64 to make it 8-3. Van Gerwen gave up his own throw by not being out in six trips after breaking Anderson with a double 8 in the 12th leg. Anderson increased his advantage to 9-4 with a 16-darter. The match was then masterfully ended by the two-time world champion with a 12 dart finish.

“It wasn’t really Michael up there,” admitted Anderson afterwards, having averaged 97 and landed five 180s in victory over his storied rival. “Michael has achieved everything in darts. He’s been absolutely mustard for the last decade, so it’s still a privilege to play against him. I just did enough to win tonight. My TV game is still a mile away from my performances on the ProTour, but we’re still going!”