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СпутникиРНSpaceXРоскосмосNASAThe former darts player, 50, is a five-time world semi-finalist and runner-up in three PDC majors, losing to Phil Taylor on each occasion.
By MILO POPE FOR MAILONLINE
Published: 09:20 EDT, 4 January 2024 | Updated: 11:02 EDT, 4 January 2024
Darts commentator Wayne Mardle has responded to Dan Walker's claim that the PDC World Championship final should have been on terrestrial TV.
The former darts player, 50, is a five-time world semi-finalist and runner-up in three PDC majors, losing to Phil Taylor on each occasion.
Following Luke Humphries' win yesterday night, Channel 5's Walker tweeted: 'Loving the coverage but sport like this should really be on terrestrial telly #WorldDartsChampionship.'
It came after Luke Littler's sensational run in the tournament gripped the nation.
But, clapping back Mardle replied: 'Dan, terrestrial tv didn’t want to know when darts needed it. Sky Sports stood alone when taking darts on.'
Wayne Mardle has hit back at Dan Walker's claim that darts 'should be on terrestrial TV'
The former darts player explained to Walker the BBC 'didn't want to know when darts needed it'
Here's a look at the exchange between the two on Twitter after Walker's original tweet
People on social media were quick to share their reaction, with one person tweeting: 'Sky rejuvenated darts. Get a grip.'
Another added: 'I've heard a few comments like this, where were these people last year when there wasn't a 16 year old in the final? Not to mention the BBC dropping the BDO tournament years ago and killing off what was left of it.'
A third also wrote: 'Sky grabbed Darts in 1994 and built it up to the levels you see now. The BBC with the BDO (and Olly Croft) wanted to keep it in the dark ages. You’ve got this one completely wrong Dan.'
Prior to yesterday's final, Mardle revealed that Little left him 'gobsmacked' and insisted he has 'everything you need to be a champion'.
'I have not seen anything like that,' he told the PA news agency.
One fan complained that Sky 'rejuvenated' the sport, criticising Dan Walker's comment
'When I was near my pomp, Michael van Gerwen was coming through and I saw him as a 17, 18-year-old and he was incredible, but he was not that good.
'That is just different, it is the World Championship, it is different doing it here. There are people who just can't play like Luke. He has got the ability, the composure under pressure, the belief.
'He has got everything you need to be a champion. Even though he hasn't won it yet, all that he has been winning has led to this. He is used to winning.
'I have never seen the like and I am not sure we will again. I am gobsmacked.'