Australian Masters trophy to be renamed in Kyle Anderson’s memory

Kyle Anderson (PDC)

From 2026 onwards, the winner of the Australian Darts Masters will receive the Kyle Anderson Trophy, with the award at the World Series of Darts event being named in honour of the former PDC star.

Anderson used the World Series stage as the platform for his emergence following the introduction of what was originally the Sydney Darts Masters in 2013.

He subsequently became the first Australian to taste victory in a World Series event at the 2017 Auckland Darts Masters.

Anderson also won a Players Championship and reached the European Championship semi-finals - hitting a nine-darter along the way - during a memorable year in 2017.

Having won a Tour Card in 2014 and based himself in the UK to compete on the PDC circuit, Anderson had returned to Australia to be with his family at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Following subsequent health issues, he passed away in August 2021, aged just 33, but his legacy will now be marked at the annual Australian Darts Masters.

"We're pleased that we can recognise Kyle with the introduction of the Kyle Anderson Trophy at the Australian Darts Masters," said PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter.

"Kyle was a trailblazer for what we want the World Series to be; a platform for domestic players to compete on the big stage and eventually progress to become PDC professionals.

"His former schoolmate Damon Heta has since followed that same path and it's fitting that future winners of the Australian Darts Masters will get to lift the Kyle Anderson Trophy.

"We'll work with Kyle's family to create an appropriate design and look forward to unveiling the trophy next year."

Kyle Anderson's wife Tara said: "On behalf of the family, we are so grateful to the PDC for wanting to honour Kyle in such a way. We can't wait to see the trophy come to life next year."

Relive some of Kyle Anderson's greatest moments in our photo gallery below