Mardle on value of World Championship: "Van Gerwen is judged on winning three World titles"

The World Championship begins in 10 days time and Sky Sports commentator, Wayne Mardle has cast his eye over the tournament.

Mardle discussed the importance of the World Championship and also his picks for players he can't wait to see.

"You have 20 debutants and at the other end of the scale you have Steve Beaton making his 30th World Championship appearance, superseding Phil Taylor. This is what it's all about The Sid Waddell Trophy. It's majestic that it is the Sid Waddell Trophy," said Mardle to Sky Sports.

"This is the World Championship, it's what you're judged on and that's not downgrading any other event because they're all special in their own right. Michael van Gerwen isn't judged on winning 80 majors, he's judged on winning three world titles.

I'm looking forward to seeing a few outside of the big three; Luke Humphries is showing some promise again and Joe Cullen is a lively runner. One of my boys, Devon Peterson of course…"

Stand out tie for Waites and Hedman's debut

For Mardle, his standout ties come from the likes of former multiple Lakeside winner, Scott Waites who will make his debut at the Alexandra Palace.

As well as a fellow debutant in Deta Hedman who is seen as the best female player not to win Lakeside.

"Two-time BDO winner Scott Waites takes on Matt Campbell, that one really sticks out for me. As it came out I was thinking I must remember that one because the winner faces Nathan Aspinall, a semi-finalist the last two years, but then another draw happened and another," he continued.

"Andy Boulton is playing Deta Hedman and Deta….what a story. After all these years she gets her chance to really shine and be a leading light and do something in a World Championship - how she hasn't won a women's world title, not even she will know."