WAYNE'S WORLD

Sky Sports legend Mardle gives us his Ally Pally thoughts..

- MARK WHILEY

Can anyone get close to the two Lukes?

"This year's been a bit different. They were the big two last year too but you also had other major winners like Ritchie Edhouse [European Championship] and Mike De Decker [World Grand Prix], while Martin Lukeman got to a final [at the Grand Slam].

"This year they've had it pretty much sewn up. For one of those two not to prevail at the Worlds... it won't be a shock because there are loads of others in there. But they've had a great year between them.

"Every single day they are slightly better than the rest. Gerwyn Price is right up there, we know that, Van Gerwen is still very capable and so are many others. But Luke and Luke are the dominant forces, which is why they are Nol and No2 in the world."

Does Luke Humphries get enough credit for staying with Littler?

"Personally, I think he does. I know Luke pretty well and he's quite happy to sit back and let someone take all the pressure.

"Not everyone is a showman, not everyone is loud, not everyone wants to be at the forefront. He's an amazing ambassador. He's been an amazing world No.1 and has been an amazing world champion.

"I've spoken to him about this. I play golf with him. He says, 'Look, I get a load of credit, especially from the players.' It doesn't bother him that other people feel like he doesn't.