HAWAII 501, MARDLE INTERVIEW ON THE SHOWDOWN 2009

Fans at the Masters of Darts tonight can expect to see a best-ever Wayne Mardle.

Mardle, the showman of the oche known as ‘Hawaii 501,’ reckons his inclusion in the Whyte & Mackay Premier League that started last month will help him produce his best form at Hermitage Leisure Centre.

He said: “Being in the Premier League means you get used to playing the best players in the world in front of massive crowds week in, week out and that’s what you need.

“The experience I get in the Premier League will help me through when I’m playing in front of big crowds in big tournaments.”
Mardle is looking forward to playing in tonight’s big tournament.

“Matt Ward has been putting on quality events,” he said, “and this is another good tournament. I’ve got the chance to test myself against some of the best players from the BDO and we all know what Bob Anderson is capable of.”
Mardle is looking to have a massive year.

He has reached the semi-finals of the world championships five times – beating Phil Taylor in the last eight in 2008 – and has reached the final of the Stan James World Matchplay and the Las Vegas Desert Classic twice.

“I’m looking to kick on this year and win a couple of massive tournaments,” he said. “I know what I can do and I haven’t achieved as much as I can yet.

“But it’s getting tougher and tougher.

“In the past, you could maybe get away with not preparing properly, but not any more. If you don’t practice hard before a tournament, you are going home early.

“There are players coming through like Jamie Caven from Leicester, who can beat anyone on their day.

“Darts is big business these days and the standard is improving all the time. I know I’ve got to keep practising hard.”