“We’ll see how it goes...” – Old dog Gary Anderson trials new trick with equipment change ahead of World Matchplay

Gary Anderson made a strong start to his Baltic Sea Darts Open campaign on Saturday, easing past Krzysztof Ratajski 6–2 with a 98.77 average to book his place in the last 16 of the ninth European Tour event of the 2025 season.

The two-time world champion now faces surprise package Andy Baetens, who knocked out defending champion Rob Cross by the same scoreline to continue his run of scalping former world champions in Kiel.

Anderson, meanwhile, caught the eye not just with the scoreline, but with the darts in his hand. The Flying Scotsman has been experimenting with new equipment — specifically longer points — and is still adjusting to the feel. “Yeah, I’m trying something new — a bit longer points, you know,” he explained post-match. “I like them, but when they go right, they go right… and when they go wrong, they go wrong. But I’ll stick with them for now.”

“I’ve never actually swapped my darts,” he added. “I had the other ones out just in case, but I stuck with the first set I started playing with. I think the points are about two-and-a-bit inches long. I like them — but I’m not quite sure yet, if you know what I mean.”

The longer points do have an impact on feel and control, something Anderson is still working to perfect. “The only thing I’m missing on long points is my grip. I just wanted to try them out and see what they’re like. Like I say — when they go in, they’re fine. When they don’t, they’re miles off. But we’ll see how it goes. I’ll stick with them for now.”

While his equipment is still a work in progress, Anderson’s popularity remains as strong as ever. The crowd inside Kiel’s Wunderino Arena gave him raucous support throughout, with Scottish flags waving and “Team Anderson” making themselves known — something the 54-year-old doesn’t take for granted.

“Yeah, it’s cost me a fortune to bring them all over from Scotland!” he joked. “But over the last few European events I’ve done, the crowds have been fantastic. Don’t know what I’ve done, but it’s been great.”

Anderson stepped away from the European Tour circuit for several years, but since returning, he’s been enjoying the atmosphere — and the new generation of fans and players. “It’s great to be out in Europe playing darts. And all the boys are the same — it’s a good couple of months, and we see new faces as well,” he said. “I’m really enjoying my time here, and obviously, if I can keep winning, it makes it all the more fun.”

Next up is Belgium’s Baetens — a dangerous opponent who has already beaten Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross this weekend. Anderson, a veteran of the biggest stages, knows he’ll have to be sharp.

If he goes all the way in Kiel, it would mark his fourth European Tour title, adding to the German Darts Championship (2014) and his back-to-back European Darts Grand Prix victories in 2024 and 2025.

The Flying Scotsman may be tinkering with his darts — but his form, focus, and fire remain fully intact.