PDC chairman Barry Hearn hailed Eric Bristow as “a legend” after the darts star died aged 60.
Bristow suffered a heart attack while he was watching the PDC Premier League event at Liverpool’s Echo Arena tonight.
And Hearn, who worked closely with Bristow throughout the last 20 years, said: “Eric will always be a legend in the world of darts and British sport.
“He was a tremendous player and a huge character and even after his retirement fans would travel for miles to meet him and see him play.
“Eric was never afraid of controversy, but he spoke as he found and was honest and straightforward which is what people admired about him.
“The PDC, and the sport of darts, will miss him.”
Today’s stars of darts had to continue playing their matches despite the shock at Bristow passing away in the arena.
Peter Wright struggled to hide his tears as he and Darryl Gurney played on the oche while fans cheered Bristow’s name from the seats.
Tributes poured in from darts legends who were left numb at the news.
Former rival John Lowe said: “I didn’t want to share this message, Eric has passed away, my rival, my friend, my drinking Pal, lost a part of my life tonight.
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“Thanks for being Eric. Goodbye my good friend.”
Another ex-world champion Dennis Priestley added: “Absolutely devestated to be told earlier that my good friend Eric Bristow has passed away.
“We shared some great times together and I’m so saddened that we won’t get to share anymore. Rest in peace old friend.”
Keith Deller, who famously beat his close pal in the 1983 world darts final, said: “I’m devastated. Eric was one of my best friends. I will sadly miss him.
“Players involved in the game must thank Eric because if it wasn’t for him they wouldn’t be here now.
“In the 40th year of the Monarchy, four world champions of sport had a personal meeting with the Queen.
“There was Frank Bruno, Nick Faldo, Nigel Mansell, one other, and Eric Bristow.
“That’s how big a name he was, both for darts and British sport.”
Darts star Raymond van Barneveld said: “I am lost for words and really devastated !! He was darts he meant so much to me, cannot believe it !! My thoughts go out to his wife and family.”
Darts commentator Stuart Pyke revealed in a tweet: “The legend Eric Bristow has collapsed and died after a heart attack tonight aged 60.
“He was here at the Echo Arena in Liverpool enjoying the sport that made him a legend + real character.”
Fellow commentator Rodd Studd added: “It’s such a desperately sad night. In the 1980s we all wanted to be Eric Bristow.
“He was brash. He was flash. He played with unparalleled panache.
“He loved playing darts, talking darts. He was darts. The biggest star darts has ever had, the sport owes Eric a huge debt of gratitude.”
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