MARDLE SET FOR ITV WORLD MASTERS DEBUT

WAYNE MARDLE will make his long-awaited debut on ITV’s Winmau World Masters coverage next weekend.

‘Hawaii 501’ confirmed on social media he will be a part of the broadcast team for the major tournament which starts next Friday in Milton Keynes.

Sky Sports presenter Pete Graves will front the coverage as lead anchor for the PDC Premier event, with the top 24 players joined by qualifiers in the field.

Mardle had been away from X for several months but on his return, he responded to a number of questions from fans.

Asked whether he would be working at ITV for the Masters, he replied: “I will be. I’m looking forward to it.”

Mardle’s appearance on ITV is not expected to be a permanent move, with the broadcaster now operating a wider, rotating team rather than a fixed line-up.

Previously, Jacqui Oatley, Chris Mason and Alan Warriner-Little were regular fixtures across ITV’s darts coverage.

More recently, Mardle, Gabbie Partington and Graves are expected to rotate into the line-up when schedules allow.

Former pro Mardle shared his views on the World Masters and made it clear he will not be backing Danny Noppert on this occasion.

World No.10 Noppert had let him down earlier this year in Saudi Arabia, suffering a first-round exit to Man Lok Leung.

He joked: “I’ve not studied the draw yet. He’s [Littler] a hard man to back against. After Tipping Noppert to win in Saudi I’m a little fragile. Ha.”

Mardle was also asked about whether Luke Littler is the best grouper of a dart the sport has ever seen.

He replied: “No. In my opinion Adrian Lewis was different level.”

The 52-year-old also confirmed he has exhibitions scheduled later this year and revealed plans to relaunch his YouTube channel, Club 501.

He said: “I have very few [exhibitions] booked in. It’ll be very limited.

“We aim to start again in April. William Hill have been very patient waiting for me to feel ready.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.