Gary Anderson is heading into the 2024 World Darts Championship with great confidence after a strong run of form. The two-time world champion is determined to show that experience still holds significant value, even with the rise of younger players in the sport.
Anderson, who recently reached the semi-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts, where he lost to the talented Luke Littler in an epic match, will next turn his attention to Alexandra Palace for the World Championship. There, he is set to face either Jeffrey de Graaf or Rashad Sweeting in the second round.
While the spotlight has shifted to the likes of Littler, Gian van Veen, and Mike De Decker, Anderson is quietly confident that, when it matters most, his experience will shine through. The 53-year-old has rediscovered his passion for the game and is performing at a high level, often averaging higher than many of the younger players.
“Yes, they’ve got youth on their side, but I’m still averaging probably higher than all of them put together,” Anderson said, reflecting on his recent form. “It’s great to see the younger players coming through, but they still have a lot to prove in the big tournaments.”
Anderson has long been an advocate for young players having a “safety net” outside of darts, stressing the importance of having a trade to fall back on in case of injury or a downturn in form. “They’re making a lot of money, but if something goes wrong, they’ve got nothing else to fall back on,” he explained.
As he prepares for another World Championship, Anderson reflects fondly on his past successes. His 2015 win against Phil Taylor remains a highlight of his career, and despite coming up short in the 2017 final to Michael van Gerwen, Anderson remains proud of his two world titles.
“I’m in an elite group with players who have won it twice. I’ve made five finals, and winning twice is not bad,” he said.
Looking ahead to the 2024 World Championship, Anderson’s goal is simple: to play well. “I don’t expect anything. I just want to go out there, play well, and let the results take care of themselves.”
The tournament begins on December 15 at Alexandra Palace, and Anderson, along with darts fans around the world, will be hoping for another thrilling chapter in the history of the sport.
