Mardle on who stood out in World Cup of Darts: 'They were the story for me'

The World Cup of Darts took place this past weekend and Wayne Mardle has given his thoughts on a number of the different topics that have stemmed from the tournament.

These include who stood out as well as whether he thinks the format at the should be changed. Including who he thought stood out in the World Cup of Darts were Japan, Germany as well as Spain who looked good.
On who stood out in the tournament: 'What I can see happening now, year-on-year, is the growth of the partnerships. Seigo Asada and Haruki Muramatsu for Japan are now a very good pairing. They were the story for me.' said Mardle
'They beaten Austrians were good despite defeat, Team Germany of Max Hopp and Martin Schindler could be around for the next five, six or seven years and they have n'ow reached the quarter-finals two years running. There is more to come from Spain, also.
'I felt for Brazil as I fancied them to play better and they are both improved players, but they faltered a little against Scotland. However, they will come back again stronger next year. Kyle Anderson for Team Australia showed flashes of genius. That's from someone who I don't think is entirely comfortable on the big stage just yet.'

Change of format

On the change of format potentially: 'I was looking at Twitter and social media and mulling over the format and talk of changes, looking for a better format than they have now. Keeping it pairs, maybe a best of nine, 11 or 13 in the second round. But pairing the very best against someone who could beat them in a slightly shorter format. I just think over the longer duration they would get beat.' 'An upset in a best of singles is very possible and that sets up the pairs drama. If you go straight to pairs in a best of 13, I think we could see some heavy defeats. The format is fine and the only thing I could possibly tweak is the set-up in the final. They only play as a team once in what could be a tie of five matches.' 'Perhaps kicking off the final with the pairs. They are all introduced together as a team and come on together so why not kick off a team event as a team.'

Photo: Pieter Verbeek/PV-Darts