Mardle believes World Cup of Darts format needs to be looked at: "Maybe it's now time for the pairs"

Wayne Mardle has admitted that the format needs to be looked at for the World Cup of Darts going forward as the singles action begins in the second round in Austria.

Mardle said that it is unfair as such for the lesser players and gives an advantage to the bigger teams after the first round and that potentially it is time to make it all pairs.

"It's getting to that point now where maybe it has to be. Certain teams may not play a pairs game until the final," said Mardle to Sky Sports.

"It favours all the favourites, it favours the better teams. I know there was only two shocks on Friday with Republic and Northern Ireland going out but it's less likely now."

"There's more pressure on the lesser players without being disrespectful because they're going to have to show up during the pairs game because they normally lose the singles."

"It's difficult for the lesser lights and it's a shame. Maybe it's now time for the pairs."