Two-time world champion Gary Anderson wants to see a major change that could seriously shake up darts going forward.

Anderson reached the quarter-finals of the European Championship by beating Michael van Gerwen 10-4 in Dortmund.

2

The win also boosted Anderson’s bank balance, with the quarter-finalists all pocketing at least £20,000.

Anderson could earn a whopping £120,000 if he continues to participate in the tournament.

Apart from his strengthened purse, Anderson’s victories at the European Championship will also improve his position in the PDC order of merit.

As it stands, the order of merit is determined by the prize money a player has won across all ranking events over a 104-week period.

But Anderson believes there needs to be a major change in the system.

This also means that their efforts at the European Championship were largely in vain.

“Well, since the Europeans started putting the European money in the general rankings (in 2016) and the main rankings, yes it is difficult,” Anderson said after his victory over Van Gerwen.

“You know, I haven’t raced the Europeans in eight years, and you have to remember that in about six of the eight years where I missed all the Europeans, I was in the top 10. So (that way) I look at it, I’ve done a good job of doing that.”

“You know Europeans, the money goes to your overall ranking and the only way to play in the final is to play in the Europeans.

“But I don’t think it should go into the overall rankings. I think it’s a no-no.”

2

“No, there are enough tournaments and Pro Tours abroad for Europeans to do… If you play Europeans, you have to go to the European finals and that’s it. It shouldn’t go into your overall rankings.”

Anderson had a significant absence from the European Tour but returned at last year’s Dutch Darts Championship.

The man nicknamed ‘The Flying Scotsman’ also claimed his first European Tour victory in a decade by winning the European Darts Grand Prix in April.

Anderson ranks 23rd in the PDC order of merit, having earned £364,000 in the last two years.

Reigning world champion Luke Humphries tops the list, earning £1.75 million alongside Michael Smith, thanks to his two-year prize money of £1.072 million.

Teenage sensation Luke Littler came in 20th place, pocketing £397,500, but thanks to his surprising backing Barry Hearn’s tips To win £1 million sooner or later.