Wayne Mardle tells John Henderson to 'hold his head high' after Premier League Darts draw with Michael van Gerwen
Friday 8 March 2019 12:18, UK
John Henderson has been encouraged to be proud of his Premier League Darts draw with Michael van Gerwen by Wayne Mardle.
Scotsman Henderson stood in for Gary Anderson in Aberdeen on Thursday, and held the defending champion Van Gerwen to a 6-6 tie.
Henderson stole the show with an entrance that included bagpipes before being left speechless by the crowd's warmth.
"This is what all the years of practice are about," Mardle told Henderson as the crowd sang his name.
"Every now and again, you get out what you put in. Tonight you're getting it out.
"This is the fantastic side of darts.
"John is really liked on the tour. He is a great guy. [The fans] know him better than us.
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"He is a nice guy that tries his heart out. People like honest people.
"[The fans] have come to see a night of darts and have come to see this man perform. They have seen a great night of darts. He should hold his head high."
The emotional Henderson also praised Van Gerwen's conduct.
He said: "Van Gerwen is a gentleman and a champion. He has so much respect for every player. Fair play to Michael for shaking my hand."
