Wayne Mardle has given his verdict on a fan suggestion about the World Grand Prix.
The tournament is unique on the darting calendar, requiring players to hit a double at the start of the leg as well as the end.
This quirk can result in some competitors losing a leg without scoring a single point, acting as a leveller.
Though the format is popular, one fan suggested improvements to the tournament to add more variety.
Mardle, however, was not a fan and failed to entertain their opinion.
Wayne Mardle shuts down World Grand Prix suggestion
The fan in question took to social media platform X to explain their idea of adding variety to the Leicester-based tournament.
The user tagged ‘Hawaii 501’ and asked: “Thoughts on the idea of turning the World Grand Prix into a mixed games tournament? Double in, cricket, masters out, 701, maybe different boards like the Harrows Quadro?”
Mardle swiftly replied: “Terrible idea imo [in my opinion]. The viewer wouldn’t have a clue what’s going on and explaining formats every other sentence makes for horrific viewing.”
Is there a market for another tournament format?
The darts calendar is saturated and it’s difficult to add another tournament without removing one.
The idea of a different format, however, has been proposed by fans and pundits alike.
Paul Nicholson recently suggested a potential Royal Rumble format – where the player onstage is unaware of their opponent until they hear their walk-on music.
Three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen even backed the idea of 1001 tournament earlier this year.
Whilst another unique darting event would add intrigue, there has to be a purpose for such an introduction.
Perhaps the PDC could visit the sport’s past and reintroduce a tournament similar to the News of the World.
The now-defunct competition had a ruthlessly short format with the winner requiring just two legs to win a match.
Despite the call from some for another event, the PDC have given no hints one is on the horizon so expect little change for the foreseeable future.