Mardle lauds praise on Heta and Whitlock after World Cup of Darts win: "The establishment can be upset"

After sealing the World Cup of Darts, Wayne Mardle lauded praise on the duo of Damon Heta and Simon Whitlock for sealing it and upsetting the establishment in doing so with two players who have given it all up to chase their darting dream.

"Whitlock has been in the game for decades and for Simon to say 'this is life-changing' I thought it was a heart-warming interview. These two love each other, they really do," Mardle told Sky Sports.

"I know he's not here but there's a bit of Kyle Anderson in there as well and Simon mentioned him as well. These two breathe and live darts.

"Damon Heta has moved over to the UK with his wife. He's relocated to chase his dream as Simon did all those years ago.

"When you see these scenes it's beautiful to watch, but it's like 'hold on' the establishment can be upset. These guys deserved it.

"There was some adversity in there as well. When Simon missed the dart to take out 66 it's like, 'right, you've got to start again'. But Heta showed true class and composure."

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Future form for Heta

But what is potentially ahead for the winners? Mardle believes it could open the floodgates in particular for Heta who has been seen by many as one of the best players in the world this year.

"I really hope it is because he's good enough and those within the game will tell you he's got it all. This is the biggest day of his darting life and he's gone up there and he's beaten Jonny Clayton.

"He's won a big championship and he's the one who has got to throw the dart to be the catalyst to lift that.

"After losing that pairs game it would have been easy to retreat and feel a bit sorry for yourself and think 'this is all hard work' but they showed true Aussie grit."