An Interview with Professional Darter Wayne Mardle!
Editor's Note: With a long list of accomplishments and triumphs at the oche, and a book under his belt, Wayne Mardle is a darter to be admired and who knows? He just might be a World Champion someday! I am humbled that Wayne Mardle answered my E-mail and took the time and energies to answer some questions for this interview! Here it is:
* How old are you and where did you grow up?
I am 35. I grew up in Islington, North London. I now live in (Romford) in Essex.
* How old were you when you started playing darts?
I was 11 years old. A long time ago. Ha ha.
* Do you believe you have some natural talent? How have you developed this?
Every dart player has some natural talent but to develop that is something else. Lots of players are good but to be a pro player means being superb under extreme pressure and only a hand full of players in the world can do that.
* Before entertaining the idea of becoming a professional darter, what was your work trade? Did you enjoy this or were you happy to take up darts?
I was working in an accounts firm doing invoices and number crunching. Did I enjoy. Yes I loved my job. I worked with some great people.
* Did you have a mentor along the way? Was your father a darter and instrumental in your career? What do you think about your father's perfect '501 game? What lessons has your father taught you?
My dad is the man. Without him I would not have played darts at all. He has taught me how to enjoy it. There will be ups and downs but just enjoy yourself. As for my dads 9 darter. 70 years old. Amazing.
* When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career as a professional darter? How long had you been playing when you realized this?
I had been playing about ten years before I thought about turning pro. So by the age of 21.
* How do you define a professional darter? Having a sponsor? Paying your bills by playing competitive darts?
A professional dart player is someone who does not have another job to do other than darts. Making a living from darts is hard work but the rewards are worth it.
* What are some of your greatest accomplishments?
I have played for my country. I have won over 20 world ranking events. And for the duration of my professional career I have never been ranked outside the top 10 in the world.
* What do you hope to achieve with regard to darts in the next five years? The next 10 years?
I want to be world champion once. I have been close far to many times. But not close enough for my liking. So my aim is to win the big one.
* How much do you practice daily and what are your practice routines?
I practice 2 hours every day. 20 minutes on the treble 20. One hour doing finishes from 81 upwards. Then 40 minutes scoring on just 20s 19s and 18s.
* What motivates you during your practice?
I love my life and I want it to continue. My wife and I are very happy and that's all the motivation I need.
* What goes through your mind when you step up to the line for a competitive match?
Nothing. I concentrate on the target in hand. My best games are when I'm free from thoughts that are of now.
* Do you get nervous before important matches and how do you calm your nerves?
Of course I get nervous. To overcome them I practice.
* Are there any players in the world that you haven't met at the line, that you would like the opportunity to compete with?
Jocky Wilson. The man is a legend.
* How many tournaments a year do you compete in and where are some of the places that you have traveled to compete?
I play in about 40 tournaments per year. I have played in Japan. China. South Africa. But best of all Las Vegas.
* Is it difficult to travel so much and live out of a suitcase, so to speak?
Its a way of life I chose so I can't moan.
* Are there times is it is lonely being a professional darter?
Oh yes. The only bad times are when my wife is not with me. Then I get very restless.
* Who do you share the ups and downs with, while competing?
Just my wife. She understands. She's great at picking me up.
* Have you been to the International Windy City Open in Chicago (every September)? How have you been treated
there? Will you go back? Is this something that you look forward to? How are you treated by the Americans?
I have been there. I was beaten in the final last year. I love America. That's because I get treated so well by everyone. And the food. Oh the food.
* What countries have treated you the best as a professional darter, and how/why?
Japan. They are so polite. and the food. Oh the food. Ha ha.
* If you could give any advice to darters just starting out competitively what would this be?
Enjoy it. Don't expect to hit everything all the time. Its just not going to happen.
* How do you handle defeat when you have really wanted to win and tried your absolute best?
If I have tried my best and lost then what's there to get upset about. Some days you are going to lose.
* Do you get involved or are you aware of the politics in darts and the different organizations? What organizations are you a part of? What, if anything, would you like to see changed, for darters to compete worldwide?
I don't get involved. But I believe there should only be one World Champion.
* Do you believe that darts are a game or a sport? Should darts be in the Olympics?
It is a sport and of course it should be in the Olympics. Its a very skillful sport.
* Regarding the Hawaiian shirts - did you have any idea that this would take off as big as it has taken off?
It started as a bit of a joke. I am as amazed as everyone else.
* Is your family supportive of you as a professional darter? Do you have a wife and children and how do you balance this with darts?
My family and my dog are the most important thing in my life they are always right behind me. I Don't have any kids. Only Toby, the chocolate Labrador. Donna my wife used to play. She was very good. So she knows what I go through. She's my best mate.
* What are your priorities in life? What is most important to you in life?
As above.
* What are you doing in your free time when you are not playing darts? Favorite television shows? Do you like to cook? What else do you do in your free time?
I play poker and golf. I love to watch Bones and CSI, Vegas and Miami. My favorite food is a porterhouse medium well - from Mortons in Las Vegas. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
* What would you be doing if you were not playing darts for a living?
Still working in accounts.
* What are three words to describe you?
Loyal. Loving and a try-er.
* What are the biggest lessons in life that you have learned?
Family are the ones who count. There is no such thing as a free lunch and enjoy life.
* What are a couple of things that most people do not know about you?
I like kissing my dog. And I have dreams of riding my old BMX bike and doing stunts. Weird.
I hope these responses are what you are looking for and are okay!
Note from the Editor: This interview with Wayne Mardle has exceeded my expectations - he seems to be a real kind of authentic man who realizes what is important in life - family, family, family and of course, good food! My thanks to Wayne Mardle for his insights on his life and the world of darts. All the best to you Wayne Mardle, you have a fan for life! And I hope to meet you in person someday! Till then, I will be cheering you on and promoting your book!
Wayne Mardle (born May 10, 1973 in Dagenham) is a darts player for the Professional Darts Corporation, and former player in the BDO. He now lives in Romford. Before turning professional, he worked for the Association of Accounting Technicians.
He has been known as "Hawaii 501" since 2000, due to the Hawaiian shirts he started wearing in 1998 for a bet, and 501 being the start score of a leg of darts. The name is also a play on the title of the popular TV show, Hawaii 5-0. This dress sense coupled with his crowd-pleasing on stage activity (such as dancing to the interval music) has seen him become one of the most popular players on the circuit.
Wayne started playing darts at the age of 11, when he practiced with his dad. His first 180 came two weeks after he started playing. He soon became better than his dad, and his first competition win was in a pub called the 'Double Top' on his 13th birthday in 1986.
His Lakeside debut came in 2000 where he lost to Matt Clark in the first round. In 2001 he reached the Semi Finals, beating Co Stompe and Ronnie Baxter before losing to eventual winner John Walton. His attempt in 2002 saw him fall in the Last Eight to Colin Monk.
Wayne joined the Professional Darts Corporation in time for the 2003 World Championship. His first appearance at the Circus Tavern saw him lose in the Second Round to Phil Taylor. His debut at Blackpool's Winter Gardens in the World Matchplay was much better, beating World Champion John Part, Alan Warriner and Colin Lloyd to reach the final, where he again lost to Taylor.
Wayne has played in every Premier League except for 2007 due to poor form and disappointing results. 2005 and 2006 did not go well, and Wayne finished bottom of the table in both years. (Players who come bottom of the League are said to have won the "Mardle Cup," named in honor of him.)
Despite a poor 2006 and 2007, he found his form at the 2008 World Championship, ending Phil Taylor's record of reaching every PDC World Darts Championship final on Saturday 29th December 2007, by defeating him 5 sets to 4 in a quarter-final match. Following his victory, he showed great emotion at finally defeating "The Power" on TV. Mardle was then beaten in the semi-finals for the fourth time in his PDC career by 21 year old qualifier Kirk Shepherd.
In January 2008 Mardle was confirmed as the Sky Sports wildcard entry to the 2008 PDC Darts Premier League following his impressive performance at the World Championships. Whilst this decision was questioned by some, Mardle proved the doubters wrong with a steady campaign which saw him finish in fifth place, missing out on the Play-Offs by just two legs to Adrian Lewis.
Whilst he has reached 5th in the World Rankings and performed consistently well in the World Championship (reaching the semi-final in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008), he has not yet won a major tournament as a member of the PDC. He has always seemed to suffer from what Sid Waddell calls the "Mardle Drift", which sees his Darts continually land in 5 and Treble 5 instead of the 20/Treble 20. However, this seems to be less of a problem for him currently.
He married his wife Donna on July 2, 2002, who also plays darts, but not at a competitive level.
In 2006, Mardle had a book published (co-authored with Ian Spragg) entitled "Hawaii 501 - Life As A Darts Pro". It chronicles the ups and downs of his life as a professional darts player during 2005.
If Wayne wasn't playing darts, he says his profession of choice would be a television presenter, claiming, "I can talk crap like them all".
Wayne is also a keen poker player and recently made the final table at Leg 6 of the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour - finishing in 7th place to win £14,100.
To read more about Wayne Mardle, visit his professional dart website at www.WayneMardle.com.
Be sure to purchase Wayne Mardle's book titled "Hawaii '501 Life as a Darts Pro." "In his book, Wayne has definitely got the talent to be World Champion one day...This book reveals what life on the circuit is really like for him and all the top pros." Quoted by Phil "The Power" Taylor...
"Wayne 'Hawaii 501' Mardle is the most flamboyant darts player in the world today, rekindling the spirit of the 1980s when Eric Bristow, Jocky Wilson and co became working-class heroes. Wayne's natural talent, spectacular stage entrances, extrovert personality, and trademark tropical shirts have won the Essex dartist a legion of fans and helped to fire the sport's resurgence on Sky television. After 15 years working as an accounts clerk to support himself in his dream to become world champion, in "Hawaii 501: A Year In The Life Of A Darts Pro Wayne" gives a candid insight into the life of a full-time darts player. From being hired to play an exhibition at one Dutch fan's house to taking on the legendary Phil Taylor in Las Vegas, Wayne reveals the rich sub-culture of darts like never before. Packed with anecdotes of bust-ups and jolly japes with fellow players, and a huge cast list of colorful characters our hero meets on his travels, this brutally honest and often hilarious book will appeal to thousands of darts fans and those intrigued about one of Britain's most popular sports."
About the Author:
"Wayne Mardle is currently the most popular player in the darts world, renowned for his sense of humor and showmanship. He has reached the World Championship semi-finals on three occasions and stars in the hugely successful Premier League Darts on Sky Sports."
* How old are you and where did you grow up?I am 35. I grew up in Islington, North London. I now live in (Romford) in Essex.
* How old were you when you started playing darts?
I was 11 years old. A long time ago. Ha ha.
* Do you believe you have some natural talent? How have you developed this?
Every dart player has some natural talent but to develop that is something else. Lots of players are good but to be a pro player means being superb under extreme pressure and only a hand full of players in the world can do that.
* Before entertaining the idea of becoming a professional darter, what was your work trade? Did you enjoy this or were you happy to take up darts?
I was working in an accounts firm doing invoices and number crunching. Did I enjoy. Yes I loved my job. I worked with some great people.
* Did you have a mentor along the way? Was your father a darter and instrumental in your career? What do you think about your father's perfect '501 game? What lessons has your father taught you?
My dad is the man. Without him I would not have played darts at all. He has taught me how to enjoy it. There will be ups and downs but just enjoy yourself. As for my dads 9 darter. 70 years old. Amazing.
* When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career as a professional darter? How long had you been playing when you realized this?
I had been playing about ten years before I thought about turning pro. So by the age of 21.
* How do you define a professional darter? Having a sponsor? Paying your bills by playing competitive darts?
A professional dart player is someone who does not have another job to do other than darts. Making a living from darts is hard work but the rewards are worth it.
* What are some of your greatest accomplishments?
I have played for my country. I have won over 20 world ranking events. And for the duration of my professional career I have never been ranked outside the top 10 in the world.
* What do you hope to achieve with regard to darts in the next five years? The next 10 years?
I want to be world champion once. I have been close far to many times. But not close enough for my liking. So my aim is to win the big one.
* How much do you practice daily and what are your practice routines?
I practice 2 hours every day. 20 minutes on the treble 20. One hour doing finishes from 81 upwards. Then 40 minutes scoring on just 20s 19s and 18s.
* What motivates you during your practice?I love my life and I want it to continue. My wife and I are very happy and that's all the motivation I need.
* What goes through your mind when you step up to the line for a competitive match?
Nothing. I concentrate on the target in hand. My best games are when I'm free from thoughts that are of now.
* Do you get nervous before important matches and how do you calm your nerves?
Of course I get nervous. To overcome them I practice.
* Are there any players in the world that you haven't met at the line, that you would like the opportunity to compete with?
Jocky Wilson. The man is a legend.
* How many tournaments a year do you compete in and where are some of the places that you have traveled to compete?
I play in about 40 tournaments per year. I have played in Japan. China. South Africa. But best of all Las Vegas.
* Is it difficult to travel so much and live out of a suitcase, so to speak?Its a way of life I chose so I can't moan.
* Are there times is it is lonely being a professional darter?
Oh yes. The only bad times are when my wife is not with me. Then I get very restless.
* Who do you share the ups and downs with, while competing?
Just my wife. She understands. She's great at picking me up.
* Have you been to the International Windy City Open in Chicago (every September)? How have you been treated
there? Will you go back? Is this something that you look forward to? How are you treated by the Americans?I have been there. I was beaten in the final last year. I love America. That's because I get treated so well by everyone. And the food. Oh the food.
* What countries have treated you the best as a professional darter, and how/why?
Japan. They are so polite. and the food. Oh the food. Ha ha.
* If you could give any advice to darters just starting out competitively what would this be?
Enjoy it. Don't expect to hit everything all the time. Its just not going to happen.
* How do you handle defeat when you have really wanted to win and tried your absolute best?If I have tried my best and lost then what's there to get upset about. Some days you are going to lose.
* Do you get involved or are you aware of the politics in darts and the different organizations? What organizations are you a part of? What, if anything, would you like to see changed, for darters to compete worldwide?
I don't get involved. But I believe there should only be one World Champion.
* Do you believe that darts are a game or a sport? Should darts be in the Olympics?
It is a sport and of course it should be in the Olympics. Its a very skillful sport.
* Regarding the Hawaiian shirts - did you have any idea that this would take off as big as it has taken off?It started as a bit of a joke. I am as amazed as everyone else.
* Is your family supportive of you as a professional darter? Do you have a wife and children and how do you balance this with darts?
My family and my dog are the most important thing in my life they are always right behind me. I Don't have any kids. Only Toby, the chocolate Labrador. Donna my wife used to play. She was very good. So she knows what I go through. She's my best mate.
* What are your priorities in life? What is most important to you in life?
As above.
* What are you doing in your free time when you are not playing darts? Favorite television shows? Do you like to cook? What else do you do in your free time?
I play poker and golf. I love to watch Bones and CSI, Vegas and Miami. My favorite food is a porterhouse medium well - from Mortons in Las Vegas. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
* What would you be doing if you were not playing darts for a living?
Still working in accounts.
* What are three words to describe you?
Loyal. Loving and a try-er.
* What are the biggest lessons in life that you have learned?
Family are the ones who count. There is no such thing as a free lunch and enjoy life.
* What are a couple of things that most people do not know about you?
I like kissing my dog. And I have dreams of riding my old BMX bike and doing stunts. Weird.
I hope these responses are what you are looking for and are okay!
Note from the Editor: This interview with Wayne Mardle has exceeded my expectations - he seems to be a real kind of authentic man who realizes what is important in life - family, family, family and of course, good food! My thanks to Wayne Mardle for his insights on his life and the world of darts. All the best to you Wayne Mardle, you have a fan for life! And I hope to meet you in person someday! Till then, I will be cheering you on and promoting your book!
All About Wayne Mardle from Wikipedia...
Wayne Mardle (born May 10, 1973 in Dagenham) is a darts player for the Professional Darts Corporation, and former player in the BDO. He now lives in Romford. Before turning professional, he worked for the Association of Accounting Technicians.
He has been known as "Hawaii 501" since 2000, due to the Hawaiian shirts he started wearing in 1998 for a bet, and 501 being the start score of a leg of darts. The name is also a play on the title of the popular TV show, Hawaii 5-0. This dress sense coupled with his crowd-pleasing on stage activity (such as dancing to the interval music) has seen him become one of the most popular players on the circuit.
Wayne started playing darts at the age of 11, when he practiced with his dad. His first 180 came two weeks after he started playing. He soon became better than his dad, and his first competition win was in a pub called the 'Double Top' on his 13th birthday in 1986.
His Lakeside debut came in 2000 where he lost to Matt Clark in the first round. In 2001 he reached the Semi Finals, beating Co Stompe and Ronnie Baxter before losing to eventual winner John Walton. His attempt in 2002 saw him fall in the Last Eight to Colin Monk.Wayne Mardle's PDC Career...
Wayne joined the Professional Darts Corporation in time for the 2003 World Championship. His first appearance at the Circus Tavern saw him lose in the Second Round to Phil Taylor. His debut at Blackpool's Winter Gardens in the World Matchplay was much better, beating World Champion John Part, Alan Warriner and Colin Lloyd to reach the final, where he again lost to Taylor.
Wayne has played in every Premier League except for 2007 due to poor form and disappointing results. 2005 and 2006 did not go well, and Wayne finished bottom of the table in both years. (Players who come bottom of the League are said to have won the "Mardle Cup," named in honor of him.)
Despite a poor 2006 and 2007, he found his form at the 2008 World Championship, ending Phil Taylor's record of reaching every PDC World Darts Championship final on Saturday 29th December 2007, by defeating him 5 sets to 4 in a quarter-final match. Following his victory, he showed great emotion at finally defeating "The Power" on TV. Mardle was then beaten in the semi-finals for the fourth time in his PDC career by 21 year old qualifier Kirk Shepherd.
In January 2008 Mardle was confirmed as the Sky Sports wildcard entry to the 2008 PDC Darts Premier League following his impressive performance at the World Championships. Whilst this decision was questioned by some, Mardle proved the doubters wrong with a steady campaign which saw him finish in fifth place, missing out on the Play-Offs by just two legs to Adrian Lewis.
Whilst he has reached 5th in the World Rankings and performed consistently well in the World Championship (reaching the semi-final in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008), he has not yet won a major tournament as a member of the PDC. He has always seemed to suffer from what Sid Waddell calls the "Mardle Drift", which sees his Darts continually land in 5 and Treble 5 instead of the 20/Treble 20. However, this seems to be less of a problem for him currently.
Outside Darts...
He married his wife Donna on July 2, 2002, who also plays darts, but not at a competitive level.
In 2006, Mardle had a book published (co-authored with Ian Spragg) entitled "Hawaii 501 - Life As A Darts Pro". It chronicles the ups and downs of his life as a professional darts player during 2005.
If Wayne wasn't playing darts, he says his profession of choice would be a television presenter, claiming, "I can talk crap like them all".
Wayne is also a keen poker player and recently made the final table at Leg 6 of the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour - finishing in 7th place to win £14,100.
To read more about Wayne Mardle, visit his professional dart website at www.WayneMardle.com.
Be sure to purchase Wayne Mardle's book titled "Hawaii '501 Life as a Darts Pro." "In his book, Wayne has definitely got the talent to be World Champion one day...This book reveals what life on the circuit is really like for him and all the top pros." Quoted by Phil "The Power" Taylor...Editorial Review from Amazon.com
Product Description:
"Wayne 'Hawaii 501' Mardle is the most flamboyant darts player in the world today, rekindling the spirit of the 1980s when Eric Bristow, Jocky Wilson and co became working-class heroes. Wayne's natural talent, spectacular stage entrances, extrovert personality, and trademark tropical shirts have won the Essex dartist a legion of fans and helped to fire the sport's resurgence on Sky television. After 15 years working as an accounts clerk to support himself in his dream to become world champion, in "Hawaii 501: A Year In The Life Of A Darts Pro Wayne" gives a candid insight into the life of a full-time darts player. From being hired to play an exhibition at one Dutch fan's house to taking on the legendary Phil Taylor in Las Vegas, Wayne reveals the rich sub-culture of darts like never before. Packed with anecdotes of bust-ups and jolly japes with fellow players, and a huge cast list of colorful characters our hero meets on his travels, this brutally honest and often hilarious book will appeal to thousands of darts fans and those intrigued about one of Britain's most popular sports."
About the Author:
"Wayne Mardle is currently the most popular player in the darts world, renowned for his sense of humor and showmanship. He has reached the World Championship semi-finals on three occasions and stars in the hugely successful Premier League Darts on Sky Sports."