Gary Anderson might’ve been knocked out of the World Championship in his first match, but the Flying Scotsman has urged darts’ chiefs to keep the tournament at Alexandra Palace. 

It comes amid claims from the higher-ups at the PDC, including head honcho Barry Hearn, that the event could be in line for a venue change, with Saudi Arabia listed as a potential destination. 

Anderson said: “Nah, it should stay where it is. I mean, there’s talk of going to Dubai. Can you imagine our crowds going across to Dubai? No. I don’t think it would go down well. Yes, you need bigger crowds, but it works, doesn’t it? It just works.

“There’s talk of Saudi, Dubai, as you say. I think it’s Barry Hearn being a bit of a brinkmanship, isn’t it? I think supporters, there’s people going to be able to afford to get across there. It’s not just getting across there, it’s tickets, hotels, flights, food.”