Gary Anderson brilliantly poked fun at British Airways’ flight prices after winning his opening European Championship match.

The two-time world champion saw off Stephen Bunting in his first round outing in Dortmund on Thursday.

GettyGary Anderson came through his opening round match unscathed[/caption]

Anderson was in overall fine form, delivering a 100.82 average, but struggled at times with his doubles.

But there was no mistake when he hit double tops to book his place in the next round against Michael van Gerwen.

“It felt like I was scoring well. The doubles were, especially the first leg, double two wasn’t even close,” Anderson said after the match.

“The second leg was the same. Scoring was fine, doubles were a complete mess. We got there at the end.”

It signalled Anderson’s first European Championship finals appearance since 2016, however his venture abroad appeared to be a costly one for the Flying Scotsman.

“We won’t start on the travelling. British Airways done me like a kipper,” he joked. “I’ve got to win this tournament just to break even, put it that way!”

“The two Europeans that I’ve done and I’ve done ProTours in Hildesheim. It’s been good.

“I’ve enjoyed it, I wouldn’t like to be away all the time like every week. I just can’t do it. What I have done, I’ve enjoyed it.

“I never ever said I wouldn’t do one. I always kept the door open. I’ve got a young family. I’ve spent years living out of suitcases.

“Since Covid and spending all that time at home, I’ve just enjoyed being at home.

Anderson was on top form when speaking about his costly travel expenditure

“If I’d have been beaten tonight, I would have been on the first flight home.”

Elsewhere, Luke Humphries faces Nathan Aspinal on Friday with Rob Cross going up against James Wade.

Teen sensation Luke Littler kicks off his European Championship campaign against Andrew Gilding in hope of succeeding last year’s champions Peter Wright.