Mardle believes Anderson's best days are behind him but not ruling him out: "As the quality he's got it's never going to leave"

The heyday of two-time world champion Gary Anderson is becoming increasingly a thing of the past, former World Darts Championship finalist Wayne Mardle said as part of the draw for the showpiece tournament.

But that he will never write Anderson full off a run like he has done in previous years.

"I think he's nearer the end of his career than the start so I think his best is gone but two years ago, he reached the final and he was fantastic in getting there. Gary Anderson has said that he needs to play, he needs to practice. If he does put in that practice, than who knows," said Mardle on Sky Sports.

"As the quality he's got it's never going to leave. It's just the consistency. Do I expect him to reach the final and win it? No but can he? Of course he can. He's going to have to work hard though that's for sure."