Wayne Mardle's tragic news was confirmed just before last year's tournament (Image: PA)

Popular pundit Wayne Mardle is back at the World Darts Championship after missing last year's event for tragic reasons.

On the eve of the 2024/25 tournament, it was announced that Mardle's beloved wife of 22 years, Donna, had died following a short illness. Sky Sports darts presenter Emma Paton announced the devastating news on the opening night.

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 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 the tournam

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