Kyle Anderson resigns his PDC Tour Card

Kyle Anderson has resigned his PDC Tour Card and will remain in Australia, ending his six-year stint on the professional circuit.

Anderson has been based back in Queensland since returning from the UK last March, recovering from Covid-19.

The 33-year-old had dropped to 60th in the PDC Order of Merit as a result of his absence from competitive action, and with his second child due to be born later this year, has opted to withdraw from the tour.

“After playing in today’s DPA event and with the ongoing pandemic, I had another long chat with my management with the outcome being to relinquish my Tour Card with immediate effect,” said Anderson.

“I have had a great seven years in the PDC but I have a new child on the way next month, so it’s only fair that I give my Tour Card up so that another rising star can try to achieve their dream.

“I would like to thank the PDC for the amazing opportunity that I had been given, and I will hopefully be seeing everyone again in the World Series in Australia.”

Anderson’s manager Mark Elkin added: “Kyle has sacrificed so much over the last seven years, only seeing his family two or three times a year, and this finally took its toll on him.

“We have had numerous talks about his Tour Card and he was determined to come back.

“I think today’s decision has just taken a huge weight off his shoulders, he has our blessing and will always be part of our team. We will be keeping a close eye on him on the DPA Tour.”

Anderson’s withdrawal means that Dutchman Maik Kuivenhoven will retain his Tour Card for 2021 as the highest-ranked player to drop off the circuit following the World Championship.

Anderson came through Qualifying School in 2014, becoming the PDC’s first Aboriginal Australian professional, and secured his first ranking title on the ProTour in 2017

His first televised title came at the Auckland Darts Masters that same year as he defeated fellow Aussie Corey Cadby 11-10 in the final.

The first of The Original’s two televised nine-darters famously came at the 2013/14 World Championship at Alexandra Palace, before striking perfection again in the Semi-Finals of the 2017 European Championship.

Anderson becomes the second player to relinquish their Tour Card ahead of the new season, joining Harry Ward.