Mardle believes that Anderson isn't a match to the dominance of Michael van Gerwen anymore and that he sees the World Number One coming out on top; but barring that he sees two other players figuring.

"We have seen Van Gerwen - he's the man to beat. Price and Wright are so close in terms of getting to finals and winning," said Mardle on Sky Sports.

"Personally for me, they are the only three winners. Price, Van Gerwen and Wright. I don't see outside of them, because of the format as well. They are so good, so often and they have been for so long now.

When we came out of this break for the Summer Series, everyone was saying: 'What is going to happen? I think we're going to see shock results, shock winners'. No! Three months makes no difference to Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright or Gerwyn Price."

"They were still the best players. Rob Cross as well - they get to the latter stages and finals because they are the best players. That is an absolute fact. They are the top four players in the world and they competed in finals.

Ryan Joyce came out of it with a qualifying spot and a win. Absolutely incredible. Ricky Evans held on, so he may feel like he has got a bit of a free roll. Gurney threw some amazing darts but Van Gerwen for me is still the man to beat.

Looking at that bottom half, it is Wright or Price and looking at the top, I can't believe I am saying this, but I don't believe Anderson is a match for Michael van Gerwen anymore. I just don't and if I get proved wrong, fair enough."