DARTS star Gary Anderson has called for the PDC to make changes to the prize money in the early rounds at the World Darts Championship this year.
A record £1million will be on offer for the winner at Ally Pally, doubled from the £500,000 won by Luke Littler in the last edition of the tournament.
GettyGary Anderson says World Championship stars should get more money in the early rounds[/caption]
GettyThis year’s winner will get £1m, doubled from the £500,000 won by Luke Littler[/caption]
The two-time world champion will be among the top players going for the big prize this winter.
He is eager to go all the way but feels more of that huge prize fund should be allocated towards players those in the opening stages of the competition.
Anderson said many didn’t realise how much players have to splash out on their expenses as he opened up on his eye-watering costs.
He said he was forced to pay up £1,600 before even taking part in the European Darts Grand Prix this summer, which he won.
Speaking to Online Darts, he said: “Good luck to whoever wins it, but I’d rather see a bit of that money go to the early rounds.
“It’s so expensive for a lot of the lads to play on Tour. Before I’d even thrown a dart in Germany, I was £1,600 down on flights, hotels, transport – it adds up fast.”
There is expected to be a total prize fund of £5m available during this year’s tournament, with the total number of players increasing from 96 to 128.
Despite Anderson’s hunger for prize money, he turned down the chance to compete at the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam last month.
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And he gave a typically laid-back response when asked why he was absent.
He said: “I think I was on holiday. And anyway, if I’m not good enough to qualify, they shouldn’t be inviting me.
“The lads who’ve been flying all over to Australia, Japan and New Zealand – they deserve it. They’ve done the travelling and put the effort in, so good luck to them.”
Anderson, 55, will face oche legend Raymond van Barneveld at the World Grand Prix in Leicester on Monday.
He said he was still enjoying the game and is desperate to be the first player to win the six-figure jackpot.
When asked about the race to win the prize, he said: “Oh, yeah, you’ll see all the greedy b******s come out! Try like hell! But, hey, a million pounds? Fantastic.
“Even when it was half a million, that’s still a fair lump of money. But a million pounds, listen, it’s great for the game.
“Just think, very shortly there’s going to be a player there that’s won a million pounds playing a game of darts.
“It’s a tournament everyone wants to win. They always say it’s not about the money, it’s about the World Championships. So lifting that trophy means everything to these boys. I’ll still try. But then if it doesn’t, I won’t lose any sleep over it.
“I’m enjoying playing darts. Win, fantastic. Get beat? I’m home early, see the kids.”
Anderson also insisted that the World Championship should stay at the Alexandra Palace amid reports the tournament could move elsewhere.
He continued: “It’s like Blackpool Matchplay. That’s tied in with that tournament. The Grand Slam. I still miss the Civic Hall and then you’ve got Ally Pally, haven’t you? It’s driving up that hill. You see all the crowd walking up the hill.
“All fancy dressed, the lot. It gets the old ticker going.”
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