Chris Mason Expresses Surprise at Overwhelming Fan Response to Darts Commentary Partnership
Former darts professional turned broadcaster Chris Mason has revealed his genuine astonishment at the overwhelmingly positive reception his commentary partnership with fellow retired player Wayne Mardle has received from darts enthusiasts. Despite always maintaining confidence in their potential as a duo, Mason admitted the extent of the acclaim has taken him by surprise.
Unexpected Acclaim for Former Rivals Turned Commentary Team
The two retired darts stars, who were once rivals on the professional circuit, have recently become regular collaborators on ITV's darts coverage. Their reunion on the airwaves has transformed them into one of the most captivating commentary double acts in the sport, with fans eagerly anticipating their return during this weekend's UK Open tournament.
Speaking exclusively to Online Darts about working alongside Mardle, famously nicknamed 'Hawaii 501', Mason confessed: "Am I surprised at the love? Absolutely, I am. Because we're divisive characters. We have different ways of going about things. It's Marmite, isn't it?"
He elaborated further, noting: "The only people I give a s*** who like me are the people who pay my wages [laughs]. And my peers. The people I work with, the people I respect in the broadcasting industry. And every one of them have reached out to me over the course of the tournament and gone, 'You and Wayne are on a different level, mate'."
From Public Disagreements to Seamless On-Screen Chemistry
What makes their successful partnership particularly remarkable is the history of public disagreements between the two commentators. Mason has previously challenged Mardle on social media platforms when their opinions diverged, yet there appears to be no trace of friction in their current on-screen collaboration.
Mason, who reached the BDO World Championship semi-finals twice during his playing career, began his punditry work in 2007 while still competing professionally. Meanwhile, Mardle commenced his broadcasting career in 2011, the same year he retired from professional darts, and has since become a familiar voice on Sky Sports coverage.
Terrestrial Broadcasting Success and Viewer Connection
The PDC World Series of Darts has proven enormously popular on ITV4, providing terrestrial television audiences with access to some of the sport's biggest names. This year's schedule has already featured tournaments in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, where rising star Luke Littler and veteran champion Michael van Gerwen claimed respective victories.
ITV also secured broadcasting rights for the Winmau World Masters, which Littler won in early February. Once again, viewers responded enthusiastically to all aspects of the coverage, from production quality to commentary standards and the level of play displayed.
Mason describes their commentary approach as relaxed and natural, comparing it to two friends "chatting and having a laugh." This easy-going, conversational style has clearly resonated with audiences, leaving them wanting more of the duo's unique dynamic.
The commentator expressed his gratitude, stating: "Thanks to Wayne, thanks to Matchroom and PDC for having the stones to stick us in together. Because I literally... that is the most fun I've ever had at any tournament. It was incredible."
Despite his initial surprise at the positive response, Mason always believed the partnership possessed the potential to create something special. The overwhelming validation from both fans and broadcasting colleagues has confirmed his instincts, establishing the Mason-Mardle duo as one of darts commentary's most engaging partnerships.
