Gary Anderson smashes personal best with 109.96 average at World Matchplay 2026

Gary Anderson just delivered one of the most dominant World Matchplay debuts in years.

On 18 July 2026, Anderson crushed Ryan Joyce 10-2 in the first round at the Winter Gardens, firing a personal-best 109.96 average. The 55-year-old hit five maximums, nailed 55% of his doubles and closed out nine of the last ten legs with back-to-back 144 and 141 finishes. Joyce managed a respectable 95.49 but never threatened to derail the rout.

What happened in Blackpool?

Anderson’s 109.96 average sits among the top eight single-match performances in World Matchplay history. Only seven players have ever bettered it, and Phil Taylor owns four of those spots. His previous best at the tournament was 106.06, set in the 2018 semi-final against Jeffrey de Zwaan.

The win also moved Anderson into elite century-average company. He has now recorded 12 ton-plus averages at the Winter Gardens, drawing level with James Wade and sitting three behind Peter Wright. Only Taylor (62), Michael van Gerwen (20) and Wright (15) have more.

Why it matters for Gary Anderson

The performance underlined Anderson’s Blackpool pedigree. He won the Phil Taylor Trophy in 2018, beating Mensur Suljovic 21-19 in the longest final in tournament history. That run also featured a nine-darter against Joe Cullen.

Two years later, Anderson returned to the final, losing to Dimitri Van den Bergh. Across 32 editions, he remains one of just 14 different champions. His 109.96 average now joins a handful of legendary displays at the Winter Gardens.

What comes next for Anderson?

Anderson faces Jonny Clayton in the second round after Clayton defeated Damon Heta 10-7 with a 97.63 average. A repeat of Friday’s dominance would push Anderson closer to Wright on the century-average list-and give Clayton an almighty task.

The 2026 World Matchplay continues at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, with the second round set for 19-20 July.