Gary: I’m missing fun fans
GARY ANDERSON fears darts will suffer in the absence of partying crowds.
While many sports are taking their first steps out of lockdown, darts beat the blockade seven weeks ago with the PDC’S Home Tour – streamed online from the players’ own living rooms.
Two-time world champion Anderson, 49, is through to tonight’s first semi-final without leaving his front door in north Somerset.
‘The Flying Scotsman’ will be happy if his name becomes the first – and last – on the trophy of a tournament hatched to beat a national emergency.
A new range of face masks, including Anderson snoods (inset), went on sale last week with all proceeds going to NHS charities.
But he admits darts will miss its fancydress army if next month’s World Matchplay in Blackpool – always a knees-up for holidaymakers – is forced behind closed doors.
Anderson said: “For us, the fans are part and parcel of the show.
“We’re up on stage doing our jobs but they generate the atmosphere by enjoying themselves and wearing their gear.
“I watched some of the snooker the other night and that seemed to have the same kind of atmosphere behind closed doors as it has in front of a crowd – because it’s a quiet sport by nature.
“But in darts there is usually a bit of noise in the background and I’m still getting used to competing when there’s silence all around me.
“I can’t deny I’ve loved the peace and quiet of being at home for two months.
“But it’s a bit weird playing online against somebody who could be thousands of miles away.”