Gary Anderson is reportedly not facing any punishment by darts authorities after purposefully busting his score at the oche. The two-time world champion did so in an incredible act of sportsmanship against Callan Rydz at the Players Championship 26 in Hildesheim.
The Scot overcame his opponent 6-4 but took issue with certain noises in the arena during his opponent’s throw. The Players Championship is a floor event, meaning that there are no fans in attendance and the competitors should be playing in near silence.
But Anderson spotted someone chatting in the background and appeared to tell someone: “We’re playing darts here.”
He had forgotten that he issued that telling-off during Rydz’s throw, and felt that he unfairly distracted his opponent, who was unable to check out.
Anderson, who was throwing for double 20 to win the leg, appeared to purposefully bust his own score by hitting the bullseye. He did so to effectively apologise to Rydz for potentially putting him off, allowing him to return to the stage and hit double 10 to win the leg.
PDC commentator Dan Dawson explained: “Gary Anderson’s annoyed with some noise that’s come in. What has he hit there? Right, okay, so Gary Anderson’s got annoyed with some noise. He stepped around the booth to go and tell people to be quiet. He’s done that while Callan Rydz is throwing.
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“He’s missed the dart. He’s come back needing 40. Apparently thrown it straight in the bullseye to bust his score on the first dart and then Callan Rydz stepped in to break and lead 4-3.”
Anderson’s act of sportsmanship was hailed on social media, but he did risk a fine in doing so.
Article 3.8 of the Darts Regulation Authority states: “Each player shall perform and compete to the best of their ability in each match and/or darts event in which they compete and will complete all matches. A player who concedes a match when it can still be won will be in breach of this rule.”
Anderson could be viewed as someone who did not play to the best of their ability, hitting the bullseye when he needed D20 to win the leg and go 4-3 up.
But the Daily Record claim that Anderson is not in danger of any punishment, be that a fine or suspension, and darts chiefs see no issue with the 54-year-old’s actions during the match.
Anderson lost to Gian Van Veen in the next round, who was defeated by Gerwyn Price in the final.