Gary Anderson opens his Players Championship 24 campaign against Cor Dekker on 7 Jul 2026 in Leicester, marking the Scottish two‑time world champion’s first match of the ProTour weekend.

Who is Gary Anderson up against?

Anderson’s opponent, Cor Dekker, is a rising Dutch talent who earned his place in the draw after a solid run in the qualifying events. The match is scheduled for the first round on the main stage, with both players slated to throw best‑of‑11 legs. Anderson, a former world champion, will look to assert his experience against Dekker’s aggressive scoring.

Why does this matchup matter for Anderson?

A strong start at PC 24 could boost Anderson’s ranking on the Players Championship Order of Merit, where he currently sits inside the top‑10. A win would keep his momentum rolling after a mixed start to the 2026 season, while a loss could see him slip behind younger rivals chasing the top‑8 spots needed for automatic qualification to the World Championship.

What else is happening on the Leicester ProTour day?

The same evening sees Beau Greaves opening against Owen Bates and Michael van Gerwen facing Tom Bissell, adding star power to the floor. Fellow Scotsman Cameron Menzies, fresh off his PC 23 title, meets Rob Owen, while Peter Wright battles James Hurrell. The draw also features veterans Raymond van Barreveld and Dave Chisnall, ensuring a packed schedule for fans.

How could Anderson’s result affect the rest of the weekend?

If Anderson advances, he will likely meet a higher‑seeded opponent in round two, potentially a clash with Peter Wright or Michael Smith, both of whom have already secured early wins. A deep run would reinforce his status as a contender for the upcoming European Tour events, while an early exit could force him to regroup ahead of the next Players Championship.

What’s next for Anderson after PC 24?

The next ProTour stop is scheduled for the following week in Barnsley, where Anderson will aim to build on any confidence gained in Leicester. His team has hinted at a focus on tightening checkout percentages, a statistic that has slipped slightly in recent outings. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can return to the high averages that once dominated the circuit.