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HAWAII 501 : LIFE AS A DARTS PRO by Wayne Mardle & Iain Spragg Published by Vision Sports Publishing review by Andy Fairclough A book about or by Wayne Mardle was always going to be a lively affair and the glossy and vibrant cover featuring "Hawaii 501" posing with a giant dart, is about as subtle as the man himself. This is a little different to previous darts books as it records Wayne's diary over a 12 month period, beginning and ending at the World Championships (2005 and 2006). It probably has most in common with Niall Edworthy's 'Planet Darts' where he tracked Colin Lloyd for a six month period, but as these adventures come straight from the horse's (or perhaps I should say the surfer's) mouth, it has added appeal. The story kicks off on a quiet New Year's Eve night in for Wayne as he prepares for a World Championship quarter-final appearance against World Number One, Colin Lloyd. The days fly by and the book is entertaining from the off. Mardle gives a frank account of his experiences (no doubt fleshed out with the help of co-author Iain Spragg) and the trials and tribulations of earning a living from darts. All the top players are encountered along the way, Phil Taylor, Mark Dudbridge, John Part, Kevin Painter – all (of course) cross Wayne's path during the year. Mardle's not scared to mince his words either and is very honest about certain players, including the details of a joint exhibition with a temperamental Eric Bristow. Some days aren't as exciting as others, but perhaps the real reason why darts players struggle with their weight is encountered. It's not so much the boozing but because of the travelling involved it is hard to maintain any kind of disciplined diet. Wayne and his wife must have just about kept KFC in business last year single-handed it seems! When a player does hit a poor run of form, you can just imagine the constant barbs from 'joe public' and friends alike. Mardle wasn't in the best of form at the start of 2005 and the reality of having to listen to constant jibes is painful to the reader, let alone what it must have been like for the player himself. The book rolls by and as I stated at the start, it's a real novelty. No one has ever been this close to a darts player over a year long period and never have the ups and downs been so vividly recorded. It's a shame it had to stop, but maybe Wayne will plan a sequel. Heck, who knows perhaps this will become an annual event and Wayne Mardle could end up being a modern day Samuel Pepys! Great fun & highly recommended. Buy from the publisher - www.visionsp.co.uk/shop.html for a special price of £11.98 (£9.99 plus £1.99 p&p).
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