World number one Luke Humphries has expressed heartfelt condolences to Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle following the death of his wife Donna.
Speaking after his victory over Thibault Tricole at Alexandra Palace, Humphries sent a touching message to Mardle.
“He has been with Donna since he has been 14 years old, so it is a horrible, horrible thing for him to go through,” Humphries said.
“My condolences to Wayne, he is one of the top, top guys in the world and no one deserves to go through this.”
Luke Humphries comfortably won his opening match of the tournament
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Humphries pledged to send a personal message to Mardle, noting he wanted to give him time to process the loss.
Mardle was absent from the opening night of the World Championship at Alexandra Palace on Sunday following the death of his wife Donna earlier this week.
His wife passed away aged 52 after a short illness and Mardle is not expected to attend any of the 2024 World Championship.
The darting community has rallied around Mardle during this difficult time.
“Hopefully he knows all the players and the fans and everyone is here from him if he needs,” Humphries said.
Wayne Mardle’s wife passed away on the eve of the tournament
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Sky Sports presenter Emma Paton delivered an emotional tribute to Mardle during Sunday’s broadcast.
“Wayne is the heart and soul of everything we do here at Sky Sports darts, but the heart of his world, his wonderful wife Donna, sadly passed away earlier this week after a short illness,” Paton said on air.
She emphasised the tournament would honour Donna’s memory.
“We will be remembering Donna throughout this tournament. Wayne, you are in our thoughts, in our hearts, we love you very much and we will see you very soon,” she added.
Mardle has established himself as a leading voice in darts commentary for Sky Sports over many years.
His most memorable moment came two years ago during what is considered the sport’s greatest leg.
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Luke Humphries didn’t lose a single leg against Thibault Tricole
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Commentating on the World Championship final between Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen, Mardle delivered an iconic reaction to Smith’s nine-dart finish.
“That is the most amazing leg of darts you will ever see in your life. I can’t speak, I can’t speak,” Mardle exclaimed after Smith achieved perfection, following van Gerwen’s near miss at his own nine-darter.
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