Gary Anderson criticises new dartboards at World Cup of Darts
Gary Anderson has expressed strong discontent regarding the use of the new Blade X dartboard at the World Cup of Darts, calling it “absolutely rank”, reports BritPanorama.
Following Scotland’s impressive 8-0 victory over Norway in the last-16, Anderson was asked about his decision to switch his points while playing. He responded critically, stating, “I had to because the boards are absolutely rank. They are the worst dartboards ever.”
Anderson elaborated that he had switched to black points to achieve a better angle, but the darts were still landing straight. “We’ve been at it for months… Not a player on the circuit is happy with these boards,” he remarked, indicating widespread dissatisfaction among his fellow competitors.
In response to Anderson’s comments, the dartboard manufacturer Winmau issued a statement. They noted that feedback on the Blade X from other players and their partners at the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has been positive. They also highlighted that independent performance data indicated a decrease in rejected darts compared to the previous model, the Blade 6 Triple Core, which has been acknowledged as a benchmark in the industry.
A total of £500,000 is up for grabs at the World Cup, with the winners set to share £100,000 along with the trophy. Meanwhile, England advanced into the quarter-finals after overcoming their prior early exit. Players Luke Littler and Luke Humphries secured an 8-5 victory, with Humphries conveying that a potential win on Sunday would be particularly meaningful due to the pressure surrounding their performance.
Anderson’s criticisms, combined with the outcomes of high-stakes matches, highlight underlying tensions in the sport regarding equipment and player expectations. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will remain on both the dartboards and the players’ performances throughout the competition.
