Date of birth: 10/05/73
Home town: Romford, Essex

One of the game's real characters, Mardle is renowned for the colourful Hawaiian shirts which he plays in.

That's where his 'Hawaii 501' nickname comes from, although the shirts aren't only thing loud about the 33-year-old - his frequent outspoken comments have also seen him labelled the 'Mouth of the South' in some quarters.

But he has yet to back up the talk and on-stage bravado with a major title despite reaching the finals of the Las Vegas Desert Classic (twice) and the World Matchplay.

The Essex thrower has reached the last four at the Circus Tavern in each of the last two years, losing a classic to eventual winner Phil Taylor 12 months again and will be determined to go at least one better this time around.