LONDON – The world of professional darts has been plunged into its most serious controversy in years after two of its biggest stars, Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen, publicly accused veteran champion Gary Anderson of cheating during competitive matches. In an unprecedented move, the duo presented what they claim is conclusive video evidence to back their allegations, sending shockwaves through the sport and its global fanbase.
The accusations emerged following a series of high-tension matches over recent weeks, where opponents privately noted unusual discrepancies. The situation exploded into public view when 17-year-old phenom Luke Littler and world number two Michael van Gerwen held a joint press conference, bypassing the usual internal disciplinary channels of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).
The Allegations: A Pattern of “Intentional Interference”
The core of the accusation is not that Anderson, a two-time world champion, is manipulating his own throws, but that he is deliberately interfering with the rhythm and concentration of his opponents during their critical approach to the oche. Littler and Van Gerwen allege a pattern of subtle but intentional physical and verbal obstruction.
“Gary is one of the greatest, but what’s been happening isn’t right,” stated a visibly upset Littler. “It’s not gamesmanship; it’s calculated. When you’re stepping into your throw, he’ll suddenly move into your eye line, make an unnecessary adjustment to the board, or make a comment just as you’re about to release. It breaks your flow completely.”
Van Gerwen, known for his fierce competitiveness, was more direct. “He is cheating. Pure and simple. For months, players have been talking about it in the practice room. It’s small things, but done at the exact worst moment. We have let it go too many times, thinking it might be accidental. It is not.”
The “Smoking Gun” Video Evidence
The most damaging element of the press conference was the presentation of a compiled video reel, edited to show multiple instances across different tournaments. The footage, shot from multiple arena angles and apparently including previously unreleased wide shots, focuses on moments just before opponents’ throws.
Key clips highlighted by Littler and Van Gerwen include:
· Anderson, seemingly finished retrieving his own darts, taking an extra step to the side directly into Littler’s sightline as the teenager begins his throwing action.
· Anderson pausing to meticulously straighten the wire of the number segment he just left, while Van Gerwen is waiting at the oche, causing the Dutchman to step back in clear frustration.
· A series of clips where Anderson appears to make audible remarks to himself or a spectator at the precise moment his opponent is in the final stage of their pre-throw routine.
A sports psychologist consulted on the footage, Dr. Alistair Crane, commented to independent media: “If these actions are deliberate, they are a masterclass in disruptive tactics. The timing is consistently coincidental with the opponent’s peak concentration phase. In a sport where millimeter precision is born from milliseconds of focus, this level of interference would be profoundly effective.”
Anderson and PDC Response
Gary Anderson has vehemently denied the allegations. In a brief statement released through his management, he said: “This is a load of rubbish. I’ve played this game for over 30 years at the highest level with integrity. I’m a bit fidgety, I get my darts and I get out of the way. Littler and Michael are great players but they’re wrong. This feels like a targeted attack from lads who don’t like losing to an old fella.”
The PDC has issued a statement confirming it has received the formal complaint and the video evidence. “The PDC takes all matters of sportsmanship and fair play extremely seriously,” the statement read. “An urgent disciplinary committee review has been convened to examine the evidence presented by Mr. Littler and Mr. Van Gerwen, and to hear from all parties involved. No further comment will be made until this process is complete.”
Fallout and Division
The darts community is deeply divided. Some former players have rallied behind Anderson, citing his long-standing reputation. Others have expressed support for Littler and Van Gerwen’s courage in speaking out. Fans on social media are dissecting every available clip of recent matches, arguing over what constitutes gamesmanship and what crosses into cheating.
The scandal strikes at the heart of darts’ unique culture, which blends intense competition with a pub-sport ethos of camaraderie. If the PDC’s investigation finds Anderson guilty, he could face a severe fine, suspension, or even a permanent stain on his legendary career. If the allegations are dismissed, it could create a bitter, irreparable rift at the top of the sport.
For now, the oche has become a courtroom, and a grainy video tape the central exhibit in a case that threatens to redefine the boundaries of competition in professional darts.
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