Darts legend Wayne Mardle is back at the World Darts Championship following a tough year Wayne Mardle's tragic news was confirmed just before last year's tournament (Image: BSR Agency, Getty Images)

Beloved pundit Wayne Mardle has returned to the World Darts Championship following his absence from last year's tournament due to heartbreaking circumstances.

Just before the 2024/25 showpiece began, it was confirmed that Mardle's beloved wife of 22 years, Donna, had died after a brief illness. Sky Sports darts presenter Emma Paton delivered the tragic news to viewers during the opening evening.

She said: "If you're a regular viewer of Sky Sports Darts, you will notice that Wayne isn't with us this evening. Wayne is the heart and soul of everything we do at Sky Sports Darts. But

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