DARTS fans are buzzing as Sky Sports favourite Wayne Mardle returns to the World Darts Championship after missing last year’s tournament following the heartbreaking death of his wife, Donna.
The former player, affectionately known as Hawaii 501, had been a constant presence at the Worlds since 1998.
But he was forced to step away following the death of his wife last year. Now, aged 51, he’s back in the punditry hot seat, ready to guide viewers through the drama, the tension, and the heartbreak of the sport’s biggest stage.
Mardle told Daily Mail Sport: “I’m excited to be amongst it.
“I have been part of every World Championship since 1998 apart from one.
“But it’s an exciting time for the sport, the Worlds cap off the year and kick off the next. It’s in a really great spot calendar-wise – no other event does it like this.”
Fans missed his energy, his wit, and his encyclopaedic knowledge of darts.
He added: “I can’t play at this level anymore… so what’s the next best thing? Talking about it. And I like talking! I like my job- I’m a lucky man.”
This year’s tournament promises history, with a record £1million top prize and 128 players competing for the first time, including qualifiers from the Women’s Series, Asian Tour, and CDC Tour.
Mardle says it’s the perfect opportunity for under-the-radar players to make a name for themselves.
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He said: “The only thing you get judged on is World Championship performances.
“It doesn’t matter what else you win. Phil Taylor? You remember him for his 16 world titles, not anything else. That’s how it goes – the Worlds is everything.”
The favourites, according to Mardle and the bookies, include Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price, Michael van Gerwen, Gian van Veen, Josh Rock, and Nathan Aspinall.
He refuses to pick a dark horse this year: “A dark horse will not win this event. They might have a run, but no outsider has ever lifted the trophy.”
Fans have been quick to celebrate his return, with one commenting on X: “How great is it to have Wayne Mardle back for the World Darts Championship. Wasn’t the same without him last year.”
The action gets underway Thursday at Alexandra Palace, and with Mardle back in the mix, it promises to be another unmissable ride.
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