Gary Anderson Remains Uncertain About Future Despite World Matchplay Masterclass

Gary Anderson produced the highest World Matchplay average of his career in a 10-2 demolition of Ryan Joyce, finishing on 109.96. The 55-year-old remains uncertain about how much longer he wants to compete.

What happened?

Anderson's 109.96 average suggested he can still challenge the best players in the world, even if his desire to continue is no longer quite as straightforward. He hit five 180s, converted 55 per cent of his attempts at doubles, and completed 144 and 141 checkouts during the standout performance of the opening weekend in Blackpool.

Why it matters for Gary Anderson

The World Matchplay prize fund has risen to £1 million in 2026, with £225,000 awaiting the winner of the Phil Taylor Trophy. However, Anderson remains unmoved by the increased prize money, stating, "It's not about money. I just like playing darts."

What comes next?

Anderson will return to the Winter Gardens stage against Jonny Clayton in the second round after the Welshman defeated Damon Heta. When discussing his son, Tai, Anderson explained that he has chosen to take a hands-off approach, allowing Tai to develop his own game without his father's guidance.

"I don't play darts with him. I go and watch him," Anderson said. "He is a young lad and has got the fire in the belly. If he is missing things, I walk out. I have got nothing to do with Tai and his darts. He does it all himself. He practises himself. He has learned to count himself. He is a better counter than me."

Anderson's opening display was his 12th ton-plus average at the World Matchplay, leaving only Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, and Peter Wright with more. It also comfortably surpassed his previous tournament best of 106.06, set during his title-winning campaign in 2018.

Anderson delivered a typically direct verdict on the assessments being made around the tournament, stating, "It just shows you all the pundits know s*** all, don't they. Absolute nothing. We hear all these things, 'Oh yeah, yeah, yeah.' You know what? Sleep on it."

Anderson's 109.96 was the highest average across the opening three sessions and the eighth-highest ever recorded at the World Matchplay. Only seven performances in the tournament's history have bettered it, with Taylor responsible for four of them.

Anderson's comments on the increased prize money and his approach to his son's development offer a glimpse into the mind of a darts athlete who remains uncertain about his future. Despite his masterclass performance, Anderson's desire to continue competing is no longer straightforward.

Blunt response for the pundits

Anderson's comments on the pundits' assessments of the tournament are a testament to his no-nonsense approach. He remains focused on his own game, refusing to be swayed by the opinions of others.

"I will still be up in the morning and head straight to work. End of," Anderson said. "The taxman just comes and screws you, doesn't he. Good old Britain."

Hands-off approach with Tai

Anderson's approach to his son's development is a deliberate choice, allowing Tai to develop his own game without his father's guidance. Anderson's comments on his son's progress offer a glimpse into the mind of a father who wants the best for his child.

"He does it himself. I don't play darts with him. I go and watch him," Anderson explained. "He is a young lad and has got the fire in the belly. If he is missing things, I walk out. I have got nothing to do with Tai and his darts. He does it all himself. He practises himself. He has learned to count himself. He is a better counter than me."

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