While young phenoms like Luke Littler dazzle and dominate, leading many to believe darts has reached unprecedented heights, legendary player Gary Anderson offers a different perspective. He argues that the sport isn’t necessarily seeing a rise in the *peak standard* of its very best players, but rather a significant increase in the *number* of players who achieve elite-level skill. This article delves into Anderson’s claim, examining current statistics and historical comparisons to explore whether modern darts is truly ‘better’ or simply boasts a wider pool of exceptional talent.
Gary Anderson’s Bold Claim: Quantity Over Peak Quality
The recent emergence of darts sensations, most notably Luke Littler, has left fans and commentators alike convinced that the standard of darts has dramatically improved. Littler’s ability to dismantle opponents with incredible precision and speed seems to suggest a new era of excellence.
However, two-time World Champion Gary Anderson, affectionately known as ‘The Flying Scotsman’, urges a more critical look. Speaking to talkSPORT, Anderson put forward a compelling argument:
- He believes that the top level of darts hasn’t fundamentally improved in terms of individual peak performance.
- Instead, he contends that **a much larger number of players are now consistently reaching those high levels of ability.**
Anderson points to the past, recalling a time when perhaps 20 players could regularly achieve averages over 100. Today, he suggests, that number has swelled significantly, a fact often highlighted by events like Q-School, where even highly skilled players can struggle to qualify amidst fierce competition.
Averages: Then vs. Now
Comparing different eras of darts reveals interesting shifts in statistical performance:
- The 1980s: Darts featured smaller doubles and trebles, making scoring inherently tougher. An average of 80 was often enough to win tournaments.
- Today: An 80 average would be considered a poor performance at Q-School, let alone in a major tournament. This clearly demonstrates a baseline increase in scoring ability across the board.
While the general consensus is that overall averages have slightly increased over the last decade, Anderson’s point isn’t about the average player. He’s focusing on the *absolute peak* of performance. It’s noteworthy that some of the highest major tournament averages still belong to players from years past:
- Michael van Gerwen (MVG) holds the highest major tournament average at over 123, a record that has stood for nine years.
- Phil Taylor, who retired years ago, still boasts the highest World Championship final average of 110.94.
These enduring records suggest that while more players are achieving high averages, the very pinnacle of performance might not have moved as much as some believe.
Beyond Averages: The All-Around Game
Despite the debate over peak averages, there’s little doubt that the overall quality of play in other aspects of darts has become incredibly consistent and entertaining:
Nine-Dart Finishes: A Common Spectacle
Once a rare and celebrated event, televised nine-dart finishes are now almost expected in major tournaments. Consider the historical context:
- In 1990, Paul Lim’s nine-darter at the Lakeside was a monumental moment. It wouldn’t be repeated there, nor in the PDC Worlds for another 19 years.
- By 2012, there were only seven televised perfect legs in a year.
- **By 2023, this number had soared to 11,** showcasing a clear trend of increased precision and consistency at the highest level.
Regular 170 Finishes and Big Outs
Other aspects of finishing have also become remarkably routine:
- 170 Finishes: The maximum checkout, requiring three treble 20s followed by a bullseye, is now a regular occurrence. Major events rarely conclude without seeing half a dozen or more.
- Big Out Shots: High checkouts, often involving complex combinations, are far more common today than they were in the 1980s and 90s. While legendary moments like Keith Deller’s 138 checkout at the 1983 World Championship are etched in history, such spectacular finishes are now a regular feature of modern darts.
The ‘More Darts’ Factor
It’s also important to consider that there is simply much more professional darts being played today than in previous decades. More tournaments, more televised matches, and more opportunities for players to compete mean more chances for incredible statistics and memorable moments to occur. This increased volume undoubtedly contributes to the perception of a higher standard and more frequent displays of brilliance.
Conclusion: A Nuanced View
Gary Anderson’s assertion challenges a widely held belief, prompting us to distinguish between the increasing depth of talent and the absolute peak of individual performance. While the consistency, all-around quality, and sheer number of top-tier players in modern darts are undeniably better than ever, the record-breaking averages set by legends in the not-too-distant past suggest that the very pinnacle of the game remains incredibly high. Perhaps both perspectives hold truth: the sport is consistently better in every way, but the bar set by its greatest champions continues to stand tall.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
