In the fast-evolving world of professional darts, where young stars like Luke Littler and Luke Humphries dominate headlines, Ryan Searle has made a striking case for his practice partner, Gary Anderson, asserting that the veteran remains a cut above even the sport’s brightest talents when at his peak. At 54, Anderson, a two-time PDC World Champion, continues to defy age, and Searle’s passionate endorsement highlights the enduring brilliance of “The Flying Scotsman.” With a potential blockbuster World Championship final on the horizon, Searle’s comments have reignited excitement about Anderson’s ability to compete with darts’ new generation.
Searle, a top-16 player known for his own formidable presence on the oche, has been practicing with Anderson for years, witnessing firsthand the Scot’s relentless scoring and pinpoint finishing. “He batters me pretty much every time we practice,” Searle revealed on the Tops and Tales podcast, painting a vivid picture of Anderson’s dominance behind closed doors. “When we first started practicing, it was fairly even, then all of a sudden, I went nearly a year without winning a practice session.” This insight underscores Anderson’s ability to maintain elite-level performance, even as he approaches his 55th birthday. For Searle, these sessions are a testament to Anderson’s enduring prowess, as he consistently delivers “180 after 180 and massive finishes” that leave opponents reeling.
Despite Anderson’s last major televised PDC title coming in 2018 at the Champions League of Darts, Searle is adamant that the veteran has another major in him. “He’s one of the best players to ever play the game and with very minimal effort as well,” Searle declared, emphasizing Anderson’s natural talent and effortless style. The Somerset star believes Anderson is “more than capable of winning another World Championship,” a bold prediction given the fierce competition at Alexandra Palace. Anderson’s 2025 season has already seen flashes of brilliance, with victories at Players Championship Seven and the European Darts Grand Prix, alongside a string of ton-plus averages on the ProTour, including a staggering 112 against Jeffrey de Graaf.
Searle’s confidence in Anderson extends to a direct comparison with darts’ current titans, Littler and Humphries, as well as other top players like Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton. “Luke Humphries and Luke Littler, I think they’re the main two at the minute,” Searle acknowledged, recognizing the young stars’ dominance. “But you can put Gary up there with them and on his day, I don’t think even they will beat him.” This claim is no small feat, considering Littler’s meteoric rise as the youngest PDC World Championship finalist and Humphries’ reign as world number one. Yet, Searle’s firsthand experience facing Anderson’s blistering form fuels his belief that the Scot remains unmatched when firing on all cylinders.
The prospect of Anderson facing Littler in a World Championship final is a dream scenario for Searle. “I would love to see Luke Littler against Gary Anderson in the World Championship final with them both playing at their very best,” he enthused. “I think that would be great to see.” Such a matchup would pit Anderson’s veteran guile against Littler’s youthful exuberance, promising a clash of generations that could captivate darts fans worldwide. Anderson’s recent resurgence, including a 10-5 win over Luke Woodhouse at the World Matchplay, suggests he’s rediscovering his passion for the game. “He did say that he’s starting to enjoy the game a lot more now,” Searle noted, hinting at a renewed fire that could propel Anderson to another major title.
Searle’s own journey adds context to his praise. Despite losing to Littler 10-2 at the 2025 World Matchplay, he has enjoyed a stable season, reaching three Players Championship finals and securing a title against Anderson in February. His ability to compete at a high level while practicing against Anderson’s relentless barrage speaks to his own resilience. “I was still playing really well on the tour,” Searle said, reflecting on how Anderson’s dominance in practice didn’t dent his competitive edge. With Anderson’s eight major titles and Searle’s rising profile, their partnership is a fascinating subplot in darts’ competitive landscape.
As the 2025 PDC World Championship looms, Searle’s bold claim has sparked debate among fans and players alike. Can Anderson, with his silky-smooth throw and decades of experience, outshine the sport’s new guard? His ability to post averages above 100 and rack up 41 180s in a single Players Championship event suggests he’s far from finished. For now, Searle’s unwavering belief in his practice partner serves as a reminder that in darts, class is permanent, and Anderson’s best days could still spell trouble for even the likes of Littler and Humphries.
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