Gary Anderson quit darts match halfway through leaving opponent gobsmacked

20 March 2024 , 12:52

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Gary Anderson abandoned his match against Martin Schindler and left his opponent perplexed (Image: @OfficialPDC)

Darts star Gary Anderson had his opponent lost for words as he abandoned his Players Championship 6 match.

The Flying Scotsman cut his game with Martin Schindler short and was unable to continue due to a shoulder injury when the scores were at 3-3. The 56-year-old could be seen wincing in pain and groaned after throwing three single 20s in the seventh leg of the clash.

At that stage, Anderson collected his darts from the board before appearing to communicate to the referee that he was unable to continue. The two-times PDC World Champion then stopped Schindler as the latter prepared for his throw and offered a small clap before shaking hands and looking to gather his things.

Schindler was clearly taken aback by the situation and turned back to Anderson before exchanging words with the match official. He could only shrug his shoulders following the concession before Anderson offered a thumbs up ahead of his quick exit and the pair clasped hands again.

The 27-year-old Schindler progressed to the next round of the tournament as a result. The German was unable to take advantage in the next round though, as he was dismissed 6-2 by Dave Chisnall.

Gerwyn Price left red-faced after wearing ear defenders to block fans out

Chizzy went on to win the tournament for his 17th Players title after beating Dirk van Duijvenbode with an average of 102.1 in an 8-6 victory in the final.

Anderson had defeated Haupai Puha, Brett Claydon and Robbie Knops on his way to the fourth round, having lost in the semi-final of fifth Players Championship to Raymond van Barneveld a day earlier.

Anderson shook Schindler's hand before leaving the oche

The Scotsman has scored more 180s than any of his rivals on the Pro Tour this season. Anderson racked up 34 maximum scores across the two days to bring his total to 118. That is 35 ahead of second place Ryan Searle, while Ross Smith is in third position with 78 maximums.

Anderson sits second in the PDC Players Championship tables in the order of merit having racked up £33,500, £6,000 less than Searle. He is also holder of the the highest average across the championships with 102.23.

Teenage sensation Luke Littler sits fifth in the order of merit having earned £19,500 and in the averages table having notched 96.94 from three darts.

Scott Trotter