Last weekend, the 2024 European Championship took center stage in Dortmund, showcasing the top 32 players from the yearly European Tour rankings. The tournament concluded with a surprising victory for Ritchie Edhouse, who defeated fellow underdog Jermaine Wattimena 11-3 in the final.
This unexpected outcome not only elevated Edhouse’s status within the European Tour rankings but also significantly impacted his position in the official PDC Order of Merit. However, amid the excitement of the championship, veteran player Gary Anderson has raised concerns about the current ranking system, advocating for a separation of points earned on the European Tour from those on other tours.
Anderson’s call for change stems from his own experiences and observations since the introduction of the European Tour prize money into the overall merit rankings in 2016. He noted that the integration of these rankings has made it increasingly challenging for players who do not regularly compete on the European Tour to maintain their standings.
“Ever since they started putting the European money on the overall merit, it’s hard,” he explained. Reflecting on his own successful tenure, Anderson pointed out that he had managed to stay in the top 10 for six out of the eight years while skipping the European events. His concerns echo a sentiment among players who feel that the current system can disadvantage those who choose to focus on other competitions.
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Despite only participating in two European Tour events this year, Anderson’s victory in one of them, the European Darts Grand Prix, secured his qualification for the European Championship in Dortmund. His performance in this tournament marked a return to form, as he reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Edhouse.
Now back in the top 20 of the Order of Merit for the first time in a long while, Anderson has found renewed motivation and success. “The Europeans, the money goes on to your overall rankings,” he said, emphasizing the complications of the existing system. He believes that players should not be penalized for choosing not to compete on the European Tour while still having the opportunity to participate in significant events.
Anderson’s proposed changes to the ranking system could reshape how players approach their schedules and the tournaments they enter. By advocating for the separation of European Tour points from the overall rankings, he aims to create a more equitable environment for all competitors.
This potential shift is especially important as it could allow players to focus on their strengths without fear of being overshadowed by those who may excel in different formats. With Anderson’s recent successes and his push for reform, the conversation surrounding the ranking system in darts is likely to gain momentum, prompting a reevaluation of how the sport balances competition, inclusivity, and fairness for all players involved.
