Thursday 31 December 2015 01:48, UK
Defending champion Gary Anderson is now the 'man to beat' at the World Championship after Michael Van Gerwen's shock exit, says Wayne Mardle.
World No 1 Van Gerwen crashed out at the last-16 stage following a thrilling 4-3 defeat by Raymond van Barneveld at Alexandra Palace.
Earlier in the night, Anderson had dropped just one leg during a ruthless 4-0 win over Vincent van der Voort.
Ending with an average of 101.58, Anderson also had a 40 per cent success rate on his doubles and Sky Sports expert Mardle believes he rightfully leads the list of remaining contenders, with 16-time champion Phil Taylor currently struggling for form.
"The reigning world champion is now the favourite to retain that title and that is the way it should be," Mardle told Sky Sports.
Phil Taylor is not playing anywhere near the quality of Gary Anderson.
"Phil Taylor is not playing anywhere near the quality of Gary Anderson. In fact, nowhere near the quality of Adrian Lewis, Michael Smith, Peter Wright or Dave Chisnall. The right man is favourite there and he's playing beautifully as well."
Anderson will next face James Wade in the quarter-finals, while the likes of Adrian Lewis, Michael Smith, Peter Wright and Dave Chisnall will also battle it out for semi-final spots.
"Gary is playing that well that he's now the man to beat," said Mardle. "We're not left with a situation of who is going to take the opportunity and win this.
"We're left with Raymond van Barneveld, Phil Taylor, but the reigning champ is playing the best darts - it's only my opinion - in the tournament right now. There is someone there to beat rather than a clutch of players who are just going to cross the line. We've got some quality left.
"Look at Michael Smith, never won a major. Peter Wright, never won a major, Dave Chisnall, never won a major. Their first major could possibly be the World Championship. This is exciting."
