06 January 2023 , 15:48
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Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle lost his voice when Michael Smith completed an iconic nine-dart finish at Alexandra Palace, but his excitement has been surpassed by a trio of Italian commentators.
Smith won what was described as "the greatest leg of darts ever" during the second set of his 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen in the PDC World Darts Championship. With both players unbelievably on a nine-dart finish, fans and commentators alike lost their minds when van Gerwen missed a double 12 and Smith completed the perfect leg.
In the Sky Sports commentary booth Mardle lost his voice and admitted he "pushed too hard" in a moment which instantly went viral.
As van Gerwen missed the final double Mardle said: " One man misses does the other man get? I have never seen the like. Come on 'Bully Boy'. YES, DOUBLE 12. That is the most amazing leg of darts you will ever see in your life. I can't speak, I can't speak."
Mardle was replaced in the commentary box by John Part at the midway interval after losing his voice. Subscription channel DAZN had a trio of Italian commentators who got equally as excited by the nine-dart finish.
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Broadcaster Sam Hart posted a video on Twitter of the commentary booth during the iconic moment. He posted the comment: "We thought the English commentary was good! Who knew the Italians love the darts."
Each time a dart hits the board the trio shout "Triplo Venti!". When van Gerwen misses the double 12 all three commentators shout "No, no, no!". However, their disappointment was short-lived, regaining their composure before shouting "Triplo Venti!" twice as Smith hit two trebles and then jumping around as he completed the nine-dart finish.
Wayne Mardle lost his voice and had to leave the booth during the historic leg of darts (Getty Images)Was Michael Smith's nine-dart finish in the world championship final the greatest leg of darts ever? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section
As Alexandra Palace erupted the commentary team added: "Esplode Ally Pally. Fantastico". Sky Sports might have some competition for viewers next year with fans vowing to watch darts with Italian commentary in the future.
Replying to the video @jamesie_2015 posted on Twitter: "Going to watch the darts with Italian commentary from now on." He was supported by @daveirl who added: "The Italian commentary on the darts is everything you’d hope for."
However, other fans thought that Mardle's speechless moment rivalled the passion of the Italian commentators. @HazzSingh added: "Fantastico haha love that. Still doesn’t beat I can’t SPAKE."