World No.1 Luke Humphries has shared that the darting community is providing strong support for Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle in the wake of his wife’s passing.
Mardle was noticeably absent during the inaugural night of the World Championship on Sunday after his wife Donna passed away at 52, having had a brief illness, earlier in the week.
Although initially set to headline the broadcaster’s coverage at Alexandra Palace, Mardle isn’t expected to make an appearance at any point during the 2025 tournament.
Humphries launched his Ally Pally journey with a comprehensive victory over Thibault Tricole and commented: “I didn’t know her, but I’ve seen her before.
“My condolences to Wayne, he is one of the top, top guys in the world and no one deserves to go through this.
“He has been with Donna since he has been 14 years old, so it is a horrible, horrible thing for him to go through.
“Hopefully he knows all the players and the fans and everyone is here from him if he needs. Hopefully he can take his time away and reflect on the woman she was.”
Humphries signalled his intention to reach out personally: “I’ll send him a personal message myself, but I wanted to give him a bit of time to just come to terms with what has happened and hopefully he is OK.”
The sad news was communicated to viewers prior to the start of Sunday’s matches.
An emotional Emma Paton informed the audience on air: “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.
“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.”
Mardle is a very popular member of the Sky Sports Darts team.
He brought the house down with his electrifying commentary for Michael Smith’s phenomenal nine-darter in the final against Michael van Gerwen two years ago when he famously bellowed: “One man misses, does the other man get? I have never seen the like.
“Come on Bully Boy. Yes! Double 12… That is the most amazing leg of darts you will ever see in your life. I can’t speak, I can’t speak.”
Belgium
