'I’m looking forward to Blackpool now' - Gary Anderson heads to World Matchplay with confidence despite Baltic Sea Darts Open final defeat

Gary Anderson was in reflective mood after falling short in the final of the 2025 Baltic Sea Darts Open on Sunday night on the latest leg of the European Tour, choosing to focus on the positives as he looks ahead to a return to the World Matchplay stage in Blackpool.

The 53-year-old Scot was beaten 8-3 by a clinical Gerwyn Price in Kiel, with the Welshman storming to the title following a dominant second half of the contest. Anderson had edged in front at 2-1 after an early break, but Price found another gear, winning seven of the next eight legs to seal the £30,000 top prize and head to the Winter Gardens in Blackpool in title winning form.

“To get to the final of any tournament is great, so I’ll pat myself on the back,” insisted Anderson in his post-match interview afterwards, having shown flashes of his vintage best across the weekend's action. “Gezzy has been playing really well, and he played really well throughout the whole tournament, but we’ll be back!”

Despite the scoreline, Anderson had opportunities early on. Both players were guilty of missed doubles in a scrappy start, but once Price settled, he controlled proceedings — producing big scoring phases and timely checkouts, including finishes on double 10 and tops that turned the tide firmly in his favour.

For Anderson, though, the focus is already shifting to the summer’s flagship major. “I’m looking forward to Blackpool now,” he said. “There are so many players after that title; it’s going to be a good one!”

It’s been a resurgent 2025 so far for the two-time world champion, and despite Sunday’s defeat, reaching his second European Tour final of the 2025 season (after winning the European Darts Grand Prix) provides further proof that Anderson remains a serious contender.