Gary Anderson has successfully advanced to the second round of the 2024 European Championship in Dortmund, Germany, with a solid 6-3 win over Stephen Bunting. This marks Anderson’s first appearance at this annual event since 2016, having missed several editions after choosing not to participate in Euro Tour tournaments during the year.
In 2024, Anderson returned to the Euro Tour circuit, competing in two tournaments and even clinching a title, which secured his spot in the European Championship. He has extra motivation to perform well, humorously noting that he needs to win the tournament just to cover his travel expenses after issues with British Airways.
Reflecting on his return to competitive play, Anderson expressed enjoyment in participating in recent tournaments, although he acknowledges the challenges of being away from home, especially with a young family. He candidly admitted that had he lost, he would have immediately headed home.
Looking ahead, Anderson is set to face his long-time rival, Michael van Gerwen, in the next round. He reminisced about their previous encounters, highlighting a memorable match in Dubai, but recognized that his current form is inconsistent. Despite this, he remains optimistic about the competition, feeling no pressure or expectations as he aims for the title.