Gary Anderson withdraws from PDC inaugural home event due to dodgy internet connection

Two-time world champion’s WiFi connection is ‘too unreliable’

Two-time world champion Gary Anderson has been forced to withdraw from the Professional Darts Corporation’s (PDC) inaugural home event due to a bad internet connection.

The tournament, which is being broadcast by Sky, launches today and features 128 players squaring off against each other over video calls.

However, Anderson has revealed that he will not be at the oche.

“I was up for it but when we did tests of my WiFi, it’s just not reliable enough,” he told The Sun.

“It doesn’t surprise me. I struggle to pay bills online in my house, it’s really frustrating.”​

All players with a PDC tour card can participate in the 32-night event to entertain fans starved of live sports during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Four players will face each other in a best-of-nine legs format to crown a winner each night, with the 32 winners advancing to a second phase of competition.

“It gives me great excitement that we are able to deliver live darts to fans in these unprecedented times,” PDC chairman Barry Hearn said.

“The event will give players a chance to play competitive darts in this down period in preparation for the return to normal action, whenever that may be.”