Anderson discusses potential Premier League selection after Lewis win: "I want a year off"

Gary Anderson claimed a comprehensive win over Adrian Lewis to begin his 2021/22 PDC World Darts Championship campaign and 'The Flying Scotsman' wasn't pleased with his opening efforts in a highly touted opening tie.

"I was like a rabbit in the headlights when I first walked up so it's a terrible first game. I think if they've had a game on the stage especially the night even the same day and then play that night at the last game, it's a big advantage," said Anderson post match.

"I got here Monday, I kind of misjudged when I was playing and when it started so I got here Monday, the plan was get down here watch them build the stage because every time I've won it, I've came and watched the boys build the stage and everything they do but I've never done it this year. I've spent two days sleeping."

Anderson admitted that he has done his job in the sport and that while he is still trying, his heart isn't fully in it anymore.

"Probably back with the bad stuff, I'm not gonna lie I mean my heart's actually shot. It's not been in it for a long time. Peter (Wright) says it and gets away with it, I say it I get butchered for it. No interest whatsoever but over the last few months I've started to pick up, Ryan comes now and again for a throw and I'll enjoy it. I need to get back playing every weekend, back to normal, not this four days and then have five months off and then play that does not work for me."

"If I want to spend time at home and all the keyboard warriors say oh he's crap now he's rubbish now. I don't give two monkeys, I've done my job I want to spend time with the family. Is that a problem, is that against the law is it wrong. I'm 51 this year and I would like to have a bit of my time. I still try to play darts but apart from that, if you don't like it do one."

Speaking about Ryan Searle, the question of the Premier League cropped up and for Anderson, he isn't sure he'd take up the invite.

"I want a year off. I don't know Premier League nowadays do you pick on boys that win titles, pull the crowds in. I don't know, I'm keeping my gob shut with the Premier League and if we get there, we'll see if we play or not."