"I’ve got to win this tournament just to break even" - Gary Anderson fumes at British Airways after expensive travel to European Championship

Gary Anderson is through to the second round at the 2024 European Championship in Dortmund, Germany. Making his first appearance at the yearly conclusion of the European Tour since 2016, 'The Flying Scotsman' impressed in the opening round with a 6-3 victory over Stephen Bunting. 

As mentioned, the two time world champion last played at the European Championship in 2016. Back then, he lost in the first round, after which he missed as many as seven editions because he did not feel like playing Euro Tour tournaments during the year. In 2024 though, Anderson returned for two tournaments on the Euro Tour circuit and by winning one of those tournaments he forced his spot for the European Darts Championship.

This time around, Anderson even has some extra incentive to make a deep run and pick up as much prize money as possible. “British Airways done me like a kipper. I’ve got to win this tournament just to break even, put it that way!" the Scot laughs in his post-match press conference. 

All in all though, Anderson has been enjoying his return to the European circuit in 2024. "I've done two Euro Tours, but I've also done the Players Championships in Hildesheim and yeah, I've enjoyed it," he explains. "I wouldn't like to be away all the time, every week, I just can't do that. But what I have done, I've enjoyed it. I've got a young family you know. I've spent years living out of suitcases, and since Covid, spending all that time at home, I've just enjoyed being home. Trust me, if I got beat tonight I'd have been on that first flight home."

As Anderson managed to avoid getting beat, he now has the prospect of a second round tie with long time rival Michael van Gerwen to look forward to in Dortmund. “Me and Michael have had some belters; apart from winning the World Championship, the best game I ever played in was when I beat Michael in Dubai! But that was back when I was good at darts, now I'm a bit hit or miss," Anderson recalls. “It would be fantastic to get my hands on this title, but there’s no pressure and no expectation on me.”