"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.
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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."
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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"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
"Then another draw happened and another......"