Gary Anderson has launched a scathing attack on the dartboards used at Professional Darts Corporation events, branding them 'absolutely rank'.
What happened?
The two-time world champion made the comments after Scotland's dominant 8-0 victory over Norway in the last 16 of the BetVictor World Cup of Darts on Saturday.
Anderson's remarks came as a surprise, given that manufacturer Winmau had recently extended its long-standing association with the PDC for another decade in January.
Why it matters for Gary Anderson
The world number 11 said he had to revert to black points on his darts due to the poor quality of the boards, which he claimed were the worst he had ever used.
Anderson stated that the darts were going in straight, and he had to change to black points to get a bit of an angle on the points.
What comes next?
Winmau responded to Anderson's claims on Sunday morning, saying that feedback from other players and the PDC on the performance of the Blade X dartboard had been positive.
The manufacturer also cited independent performance data showing a reduction in rejected darts across the Premier League season compared to the previous Blade 6 Triple Core.
Anderson's decision to speak out against the dartboards has sparked a debate about the quality of equipment used in professional darts tournaments.
The PDC has not yet commented on Anderson's remarks, but the issue is likely to be discussed in the coming days.
The Blade X dartboard was introduced to the main stage in January, as part of Winmau's extended partnership with the PDC.
Anderson's comments have been supported by some of his fellow players, who have also expressed concerns about the quality of the dartboards.
The controversy has highlighted the importance of having high-quality equipment in professional sports, where small details can make a big difference in performance.
As the debate continues, fans will be watching to see how the PDC and Winmau respond to Anderson's criticisms.
The world of darts is eagerly awaiting the next development in this story, which could have a significant impact on the sport.
Gary Anderson's comments have sparked a lively discussion among darts fans and players, with many sharing their own experiences with the Blade X dartboard.
The issue has also raised questions about the testing and quality control processes used by Winmau and the PDC to ensure that equipment meets the required standards.