"Then we'll see the PDC not have the world champion in the Premier League" - Van der Voort comments on possibility of Anderson skipping Premier League call-up

The elimination of Jermaine Wattimena at the PDC World Darts Championship came on Sunday evening after a match of exceptional quality. The Dutchman had to bow to Gary Anderson, who combined relentless scoring with clinical timing to show he still belongs among the absolute elite. The Scot’s performance did not go unnoticed within the circuit either.

According to Vincent van der Voort, Anderson’s display was more than just a good match. On the Darts Draait Door podcast, he expressed his admiration for the level reached by the two-time world champion. "He just kept hitting those 180s. Truly impressive. He really seems to be playing this tournament with a different intention."

Anderson hit fourteen maximums in total and peaked in the third set with an average above 120. It was a statement that immediately raises questions about his ambitions in the tournament.

Although the 55-year-old Scot has become more selective with his schedule in recent years, he showed against Wattimena that his top level remains intact.

A potential world title for Anderson would not only be a sporting storyline. According to Van der Voort, such an outcome would also pose major logistical headaches. Anderson has previously indicated he deliberately limits his calendar and has little interest in commitments like the Premier League.

Van der Voort outlines a scenario the PDC would hardly welcome. "That would be fantastic, of course. If he beats Michael, I hope he becomes world champion. Then we'll see the PDC not have the world champion in the Premier League and not in the World Series. That's the worst thing that can happen to the PDC. As an organisation, that's a nightmare."

The idea that the reigning world champion would appear only sporadically on the major commercial stages runs counter to the PDC’s current business model, which hinges on visibility and continuity.

Despite the defeat, Jermaine Wattimena could also look back on a match in which he was far from overrun. The Dutchman stayed with Anderson for long spells and forced the Scot to produce an exceptional level.

Van der Voort stressed that Wattimena’s performance should not be underestimated. "He sold his skin dearly. Anderson is currently slightly better than Jermaine, and that's nothing to be ashamed of."