Gary Anderson is producing the best form of his career after securing a second consecutive World Darts Championship, says Wayne Mardle.
The Scotsman completed a 7-5 final win over Adrian Lewis, becoming only the fourth player to successfully defend their first ever world title.
Before his back-to-back wins, Anderson was forced to endure a lengthy wait for his title triumph, and Sky Sports expert Mardle believes the 45-year-old has hit new heights at a late stage in his career.
Mardle told Sky Sports: "I've said it a few times over during the last few weeks and it's just been overlooked every time. It took him 14 years to win this first one.
"Most players' careers are finished after that period and he's still in there, playing the best darts he's ever played.
"To win again, it must be a dream for him and his family."
Lewis threatened a late comeback as he closed the deficit to one set, but Anderson's 170 maximum finish in the final set all-but ended the contest.
"There was no rhythm to the game," said Mardle. "You never knew who was going to win what set and whoever was playing well, you thought they were going to go off the boil.
"But this 170 - and the start of the next leg was the 180 - and you're thinking 'hold on', he's put his foot on the afterburners and the end was nigh."
'Jackpot' hailed Anderson as a 'deserved winner' and three-time champion John Part agreed with Lewis, saluting the Scot as the competition's outstanding player.
Reflecting on Lewis' loss, Part told Sky Sports: "He had a good chance, he's a great player, great champion himself.
"But the thing with Adrian, he recognised it himself. Gary Anderson was the best player throughout the tournament and even Adrian gave his tip of the hat and that shows his class."