03 January 2023 , 22:10
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Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle had to be replaced during the World Darts Championship final after he went ballistic over Michael Smith's incredible nine-darter.
The Englishman won what is already being called "the greatest leg of darts ever" during the second set of the final at Alexandra Palace. Both Smith and Michael van Gerwen were on for a nine-darter, but where the Dutchman failed his opponent delivered what the fans were dreaming of.
Throughout the leg, the Sky Sports commentators were growing more and more excited, Mardle in particular. He picked up his microphone as Smith stood at the oche for what would be his final three darts of the leg, screaming loudly as the ninth went into the double 12 and Smith turned to soak up the crowd's adulation.
"That is the most amazing leg of darts you will ever see!" Mardle bellowed as the fans went ballistic. He went on to add: "I can't speak, I can't speak!" and replays of the commentary box showed that he was stood up, so excited he was over what he was witnessing.
Mardle was still in the commentary booth for the next couple of sets, but it was mentioned that he had a lozenge in his mouth to help him to try to overcome a sore throat caused by all that excitement.
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But it prove to be in vain as, part way through the match, the microphone was handed over to former player John Part. Mardle made light of the situation on social media, writing: "I literally can’t spake!!!!!!!! What a final! Enjoy."
Michael Smith hit a nine-darter during the World Championship final (SKY SPORTS)Fans took to social media themselves after that incredible leg to hail one of the best quality pieces of darts action ever seen. "The best one minute and 34 seconds of content you'll ever watch," declared former Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster.
Another ex-footballer, Peter Crouch, added: "I cannot believe what I’ve just seen! Absolutely incredible! Whoever wins, what a final this is already! Wow." And another fan wrote: "I honestly have never been that close to tears over a game of darts!! Never mind a leg! I can’t quite believe what I’ve seen."