Today I am joined by a back to back world Champion, Gary Anderson. Thanks for joining me Gary, first of all, you made a change in your game at the World Series, the new glasses. What made you come to a decision to wear glasses? Was it you weren't comfortable without glasses? And it's paid off so far I must say!
The truth is I’ve not been able to see the board properly for some time. I was spending far too much time squinting and stopping to ask what I’d hit and that was having a huge impact on the rhythm of my game. I got used to the glasses really quickly and felt very comfortable. I’ve since had a consultation about laser eye surgery but we’ve put that back a few months. At the moment it’s a case of if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
2. What is your opinion on young Chris Dobey, he's making a name for himself at the minute, getting good runs in TV events and then making a few pro tour finals? Do you think he can make the top 32 this year if not better?
Trust me, Chris is the future. He’s such a great boy, clean cut and I don’t think I’ve even heard him swear. The other great thing about him is that if he gets beat, he doesn’t let it get to him, he just accepts that it’s a learning curve. I don’t set him targets of any particular ranking but I know he can achieve big things. Michael Smith and Adam Hunt, who are also both under the wing of my manager Tommy Gilmour, have also got all the talent. We’ve got a good little team.
3. You are sponsored by 'The Big Name In Darts' Unicorn. Matt Rankin and Edward Lowy do a fantastic job in helping you and a lot of others out on the tour for equipment etc. How proud are you of that?
I’m extremely proud. If you look down the years only the top dart players have been sponsored by Unicorn and it was a big thing for me when I signed with them. The Lowy family are a respected and big name in the sport and it’s a big thing for me to be associated with them.
4. How much help does it make when your family is at the venue cheering you on? Does it drive you on?
Yes of course it’s great to have my family with me. I’m not sure they drive me on particularly being at the venue, they drive me on every day of the week. I throw every dart for them.
5. Do you think Darts can become more pupular in other countries around the world?
There’s no ‘think’ about it. Darts is definitely going to grow especially in places like Germany and the Far East. Germany is booming right now when you see the support of Max Hopp - if he was to continue improving that will explode. If a player emerges in Japan or America, both those audiences will boom too.
6. Final question Gary, do you think you will be playing more Pro Tour events this year than last?
That’s a difficult question to answer. That sort of decision depends on how well I’ve been playing or how tired I’ve been from constantly travelling. My manager Tommy and I talk constantly just so I pace myself during the year. Believe me, the travelling isn’t as glamorous as it may seem, it can get to you. It’s important to make sure you are fresh for the big events so we decide on the Pro Tours as the year unfolds - but the aim is to play in as many as possible.
Thanks for joining me Gary.
By Carter Guiney
The truth is I’ve not been able to see the board properly for some time. I was spending far too much time squinting and stopping to ask what I’d hit and that was having a huge impact on the rhythm of my game. I got used to the glasses really quickly and felt very comfortable. I’ve since had a consultation about laser eye surgery but we’ve put that back a few months. At the moment it’s a case of if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
2. What is your opinion on young Chris Dobey, he's making a name for himself at the minute, getting good runs in TV events and then making a few pro tour finals? Do you think he can make the top 32 this year if not better?
Trust me, Chris is the future. He’s such a great boy, clean cut and I don’t think I’ve even heard him swear. The other great thing about him is that if he gets beat, he doesn’t let it get to him, he just accepts that it’s a learning curve. I don’t set him targets of any particular ranking but I know he can achieve big things. Michael Smith and Adam Hunt, who are also both under the wing of my manager Tommy Gilmour, have also got all the talent. We’ve got a good little team.
3. You are sponsored by 'The Big Name In Darts' Unicorn. Matt Rankin and Edward Lowy do a fantastic job in helping you and a lot of others out on the tour for equipment etc. How proud are you of that?
I’m extremely proud. If you look down the years only the top dart players have been sponsored by Unicorn and it was a big thing for me when I signed with them. The Lowy family are a respected and big name in the sport and it’s a big thing for me to be associated with them.
4. How much help does it make when your family is at the venue cheering you on? Does it drive you on?
Yes of course it’s great to have my family with me. I’m not sure they drive me on particularly being at the venue, they drive me on every day of the week. I throw every dart for them.
5. Do you think Darts can become more pupular in other countries around the world?
There’s no ‘think’ about it. Darts is definitely going to grow especially in places like Germany and the Far East. Germany is booming right now when you see the support of Max Hopp - if he was to continue improving that will explode. If a player emerges in Japan or America, both those audiences will boom too.
6. Final question Gary, do you think you will be playing more Pro Tour events this year than last?
That’s a difficult question to answer. That sort of decision depends on how well I’ve been playing or how tired I’ve been from constantly travelling. My manager Tommy and I talk constantly just so I pace myself during the year. Believe me, the travelling isn’t as glamorous as it may seem, it can get to you. It’s important to make sure you are fresh for the big events so we decide on the Pro Tours as the year unfolds - but the aim is to play in as many as possible.
Thanks for joining me Gary.
By Carter Guiney