Andy Fordham's Grand Slam of Darts debut will be one to relish, says Wayne Mardle
Wednesday 7 October 2015 14:53, UK
After Andy Fordham qualified for the Grand Slam of Darts, Wayne Mardle says his return to the top of the game is simply 'incredible'.
The 53-year-old has battled a number of health issues since winning the BDO world title at Lakeside in 2004.
But he came through a field of almost 200 players in Hull to take one of the two spots on offer and will now compete against the very best players in the world at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall for the Sky Sports-televised event from November 7-15 .
"It really is incredible because he was at such a low ebb, what seven, eight or nine years ago. Now look at him," said Mardle.
"He's worked hard, he really has practiced. For those people that know Andy Fordham he was just all about ability.
"He had this gift of being able to play and we hardly ever saw him practice.
"Honestly, you would see him throw 12 darts before a World Championship final and he goes and wins one. But he's got that ability.
"Now he's working on his game. It is some effort to get back to the very top and qualifying for the Grand Slam could be the start of something special again.
"Full credit to him, I'm so pleased for him."
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