Monday 4 January 2016 09:49, UK
Gary Anderson will retain his World Darts Championship title if he maintains his supreme form against Adrian Lewis in Sunday's final, says Wayne Mardle.
The defending champion is one win away from keeping his crown after completing a nine-darter in a sublime 6-0 win over Jelle Klaasen in the semi-final at Alexandra Palace.
Anderson, who sealed the first set with his perfect leg, ended with an average of 107 and had a 47 per cent success rate with his finishing.
Sky Sports expert Mardle believes the Scot's current form is on another level to his rivals in this year's tournament, including fellow finalist Lewis.
"If he plays a replica game like tonight [against Klaasen], then Adrian Lewis will not win," Mardle told Sky Sports. "It's more or less unplayable.
"We've seen this kind of performance all year from the likes of Michael van Gerwen, who did produce that here, but got beat. When Gary Anderson produces it, no one can get anywhere near him.
"Jelle Klaasen did not play disgracefully bad, it was 6-0, but there were two big legs. The last leg of the second set and the last leg of the fourth set. Once he lost those, that was it.
"It was 4-0, but Gary Anderson, there was not a bead of sweat on him. He doesn't think he's playing as well as last year - he's playing miles better than last year."
Lewis surged into a 5-0 lead in his semi against Raymond van Barneveld, but had to withstand a late fightback from the Dutchman before sealing a 6-3 win.
He doesn't think he's playing as well as last year - he's playing miles better than last year.
Mardle has been impressed with Lewis, who prepared for the competition under the watchful eye of mentor Keith Deller, and expects a thrilling final.
"It will be, Adrian Lewis is playing too well," said Mardle. "His action has been as good as ever. I don't know what Keith and Adrian have been working at, but whatever it is, it seems to be working.
"He's just got to keep it going and we will be in for a cracking final."
Watch the World Darts Championship final this Sunday, with live coverage starting at 6.30pm on Sky Sports 1.
