FORMER World Darts Championship finalist Mike Gregory has passed away aged 65. A fantastic dart player and an even nicer bloke. During his career, Fordham won the following darts titles: THE DARTS LEGEND HAD SUFFERED WITH A BLOCKAGE IN HIS BOWELS. Darts legend Rees dies, 63, after long illness. The 33-year-old from Perth, Australia, was a popular figure on the darts circuit and had visited to St Helens during his life. May the legend rest in paradise. A spokesperson confirmed to SunSport that The Viking Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news? TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved darts player who tragically collapsed and died while playing in a local match. The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) confirmed his death on Monday in a statement. Nicknamed The Original, Anderson was a regular on the Professional Darts Corporation tour in the UK over several years, earning his PDC Tour Card through Q School in 2014. 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", The PDC also posted on Twitter, saying: "So sad to wake up to the news today that Kyle Anderson has passed away, our sincere condolences to all his family and friends. 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You can find out more information on our email newsletter on this link here. But he accepted his career was blighted by heavy boozing, which meant that he never capitalised on that BDO world title. Unfortunately, that was the peak for the man from Ynysybwl, he never won a second world championship, although he had another good run the following year. World Championship results BDO 1988: Quarter-finals (lost to Bob Anderson 04) (sets) 1989: Quarter-finals (lost to Eric Bristow 34) Its slowly picking up. You'll have to find the ghoul in under 11 seconds, so can you do it? TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved darts player who tragically collapsed and died while playing in a local match. "We send our condolences and best wishes to Kyle's family and friends at this terribly sad time, particularly his wife and children," said Hearn in a statement. A credit to Australian and world darts. Now 75, he built a 17-bedroom mansion called George Hall for he and his wife Marie using skills hed learned in the building trade in the 1960s. It was revealed how the popular thrower last year underwent major bowel surgery before contracting Covid-19 at the start of 2021. Personal life In 1986, Peter married wife Angie, who died in 2012. He was a popular player on the tour and his talent and dedication made him an inspiration to other players around the world., The Professional Darts Players Association tweeted: So sad to wake up to the news today that Kyle Anderson has passed away, our sincere condolences to all his family and friends. Andy Fordham sadly lost his life on Thursday, and the darts legend left behind a legacy most can only dream of. Kyles achievements in his short-lived career were outstanding, notably his Auckland Darts Masters win, and a fitting reward for the sacrifices he made to follow his dream. HOW MANY DARTS TITLES DID ANDY FORDHAM WIN? I wont say Ill be back to tournament standard but without trying you dont know. And his talent arguably deserved more than the one BDO World Championship he won in 2004. After seeing off compatriot Alan Evans in the semi-finals, Rees met Lowe again, but this time the Englishman gained revenge with a 5-0 win. Anderson's biggest tournament win was the Auckland Darts Masters in 2017. Australian darts star Kyle Anderson has died aged 33. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. It was no surprise that he was beset by health problems throughout his career. Despite recovering from Covid, the darts legend sadly passed away following organ failure just 6 months after battling the virus. Phil Taylor. The optical illusion will leave you stumped as it's asking people to spot the ghost hiding inside the room. ", The Professional Darts Players Association tweeted: "So sad to wake up to the news today that Kyle Anderson has passed away, our sincere condolences to all his family and friends. The OnlyFans model and Twitch streamer's Estonian stalker is back, attempting to break in before leaving a mysterious box and key at the front door of her home. Stephen Bunting wrote on Twitter: "undefinedundefinedAbsolutely gutted hearing the news this morning. Many have paid tribute to Anderson in recent hours, including PDC president Barry Hearn. According to the Daily Mail Fordham once drank 62 bottles of Pils after celebrating he and his wife Jennys first wedding anniversary in 2001. Fordham recently admitted he was terrified of dying after being diagnosed with coronavirus. ", Watch Kyle Anderson's nine-darter against Ian White at the 2014 World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, Sky Sports News reporter Michael Bridge says darts has lost one of its most popular players, Man Utd takeover: Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe bids through to next stage, Papers: Man City to step up chase for RB Leipzig's Gvardiol, Merse: If Arsenal win next three, they win title | Arteta: Our most-emotional moment, Salah: Beating Fowler's Liverpool PL goal record will be 'really special', Verstappen takes opening F1 2023 pole as Red Bull oust Ferrari, Alonso, Arsenal's young gems pass their toughest resilience test yet, Transfer Centre LIVE! He is of a different era.". Weighing 30 stone at his fighting peak, with a big beard, long hair and a 20-bottle-a-day thirst, the 2004 BDO world darts champion looked like the sort of chap who held a gold card at Valhalla after accruing so many pillaging points. Fordham once weighed 31 stone and downed 25 bottles of lager a day before tackling his health issues - but despite shedding the pounds, his darts career began to slump and he took time off to re-hone his skills. You always made me laugh every time we met. While appearing on Celebrity Fit Club in 2004, Fordham revealed he gave up drinking beer and instead drank six bottles of wine a day while on a five-day stag do in Tenerife. "He was a popular player on the tour and his talent and dedication made him an inspiration to other players around the world. A credit to Australian and world darts. But he also had skill and reached two BDO world championships in 1980 and 1994. He will be sadly missed.". Died Country Ref Adam Gawlas: 2002 Czech Republic: Aden Kirk: Captain While appearing on Celebrity Fit Club in 2004, Fordham revealed he gave up drinking beer and instead drank six bottles of wine a day while on a five-day stag do in Tenerife. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. It came just a month after the Englishman lost his mother Sandra, a trailblazing figure in womens darts, aged 76. The docs advice led Fordham to seek help and assistance with TV programme Celebrity Fit Club, where he became friends with the journalist and TV presenter Paul Ross. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. A spokesperson confirmed to SunSport that The Viking passed away in hospital on Thursday morning after suffering major organ failure. He once drunk up to 24 bottles of lager before a match, and revealed he had not given up hope of playing on the big stage once again. Fordham recently admitted he was terrified of dying after being diagnosed with coronavirus. It was revealed how the popular thrower last year underwent major bowel surgery before contracting Covid-19 at the start of 2021. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. But he was the huge character that everyone raised a glass to in all walks of life. 4-min read. Get into darts, an addictive and entertaining sport that will do wonders for your social life. He had always been known as a big drinker, making him a much-loved fan-favourite. Andy pulled through but would be dead just six months later, ANDY RECENTLY THANKED FANS FOR SUPPORT AFTER RECOVERING FROM COVID. He toldWinmau TV: I had a few goes on the dartboard. RIP bud, so, so sad.". Who is darts' biggest legend? Since 1998 he has been a telly darts pundit but also appeared in a string of other shows from Celebrity Fit Club and The Real Marigold Hotel. My biggest fear is waking up one morning, not being able to breathe and being placed in the back of the ambulance then not seeing my wife and children again.. ", Michael Van Gerwen said: "A lovely man and always fun to be with, very sorry to hear about Kyle. HOW DID ANDY FORDHAM EARN HIS NICKNAME THE VIKING? PDC president Barry Hearn said: We send our condolences and best wishes to Kyles family and friends at this terribly sad time, particularly his wife and children. He also won the 1999 World Masters, beating Wayne Jones. Emily Atack won't stop accepting sexy TV roles despite cruel online trolls, The Inbetweeners actress and comedian Emily Atack has vowed to keep accepting racy on-screen roles despite the horrific abuse she's received from online abusers, Police hunt for East London gang setting foxes on fire with 'lighter fluid', The sickening criminals have reportedly been torturing foxes, setting them on fire, and smoking out their dens with police are appealing for more information from the public. Australian darts star Kyle Anderson has died aged 33. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. For other inquiries, Contact Us. DARTS LEGEND ANDY FORDHAM VOWS TO FIGHT UNTIL HE CANT ANY MORE AS HE FACES LIFE-SAVING BOWEL OPERATION. And on top of any list of world darts champions only one thing is ever written - 1978 Leighton Rees (Wales). RIP, . Fordham even revealed his dream of returning to the oche once again. Gregory reached the final of the World Masters twice in 1983 and 1992 and won the MFI World Matchplay and the News of the World twice. For other inquiries, Contact Us. I remember the British Open in Bridlington a few years back., FORDHAM RECENTLY ADMITTED HE WAS 'TERRIFIED OF DYING' AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED WITH CORONAVIRUS. Fordham evenrevealed his dreamof returning to the oche once again. He was a cartoon character with forearms as thick as most peoples legs, George said after Fordham died, aged 59. Condolences go out to family and friends. Sadly, Crosss grandfather died in April 2020 as a result of COVID-19. Fordham told SunSport: Right now I am just about coping. Housing developer plans to build 2,500 homes in Cardiff. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. I wont say Ill be back to tournament standard but without trying you dont know. Barry Hearn and Phil Taylor have led tributes to Kyle Anderson who has died aged 33. You'll have to find the ghoul in under 11 seconds, so can you do it? The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. Australia's first Indigenous professional darts player was a true trailblazer for the sport. He represented Australia four times in the PDC World Cup of Darts alongside Simon Whitlock, reaching the 2018 semi-finals. A lovely man and good friend. Darts Australian Kyle Anderson has died at the age of 33, the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) has confirmed. She wrote: With a heavy heart and deep sorrow, Im letting you know of the death of my dearest husband Shaun, yesterday afternoon, he was the most amazing, kind, caring, loving, funny best friend, father and grandfather you could ask for, and will be heartbrokenly missed by us all.. 24 August 2021 Darts Anderson recorded a nine-dart finish at the 2014 World Championship - only seven other players have achieved darting perfection in the Former BDO world champion Stephen Bunting tweeted: "Absolutely gutted hearing the news this morning. We had many great games and a fantastic player. Kyle Anderson, a decorated Australian darts player, has died. Current World Champion Gerwyn Price said Anderson was "the nicest person in darts always had time for everyone" and sent messages of love to his wife and young family. In January Fordham told SunSport: Right now I am just about coping. The optical illusion will leave you stumped as it's asking people to spot the ghost hiding inside the room. But he accepted his career was blighted by heavy boozing, which meant that he never capitalised on that BDO world title. ", Reaction from STACKED Telford bill including first TAG TEAM boxing clash, Cherries take shock lead at Arsenal after 9 SECONDS with 'kick-off glitch', Watch Gyllenhaal and McGregor storm UFC 285 weigh-in to film Roadhouse scene, Moment Aston Villa's Leon Bailey inhales 'laughing gas' after all night party, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. The Scotsman was the ultimate darts player for many, clutching a cigarette or a drink while at the oche. He was a gentle giant of a man,loved by his rivals and fans. In a tweet, the PDC said: "The PDC is saddened to learn that Tony Ayres has passed away, aged 54. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Professional Darts Corporation president Hearn said he was "a popular player on the tour" whose "talent and dedication made him an inspiration to other players around the world.". Professional darts referee George Noble tweeted: "Unfortunately (it) is true he passed away this morning. 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Anderson became the first Australian to win a PDC tour card in 2014 and in the coming years, reached the last 32 of the World Championships on four separate occasions. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. WHAT WERE ANDY FORDHAMS FINAL COMPETITION APPEARANCES? DARTS legend Andy Fordham passed away last week at the age of 59 after suffering major organ failure. Wilson constantly ate sweets and refused to brush his teeth, claiming his gran had told him the English poison the water," he had lost his last tooth by the age of 28. Fordham even revealed his dream of returning to the oche once again. Never a dull moment with you around. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Darts legend Andy Fordham vows to fight until he cant any more as he faces life-saving bowel operation, emotional interview with SunSport earlier this, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). You expected him to be carrying a huge sword.. Both former and current players paid tribute, with Bobby George branding him a gentle giant and loved by all. In February 2020, it led to him being rushed to hospital where an operation on his bowel led to him having 16 litres of fluid drained from his body. Photo: John Gichig In anemotional interview with SunSport earlier thisyear, the former world champion broke down in tears as he explained how a doctor had warned him he faced a make-or-break few days. The King of Bling always made an impression when he strutted onto the oche, sporting layers of jewellery plus a crown and cloak and holding a candelabra. His nickname was Nine Dart Man, having been the first player to hit a perfect nine dart finish on live television, in the final of the 2002 Dutch Open against Steve Coote . The 54-year-old is now dating Brit Julia Evans, 35, who lives with him in the Netherlands. We are all gonna miss you mate. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. But his cult status fare outgrew his ability with a set of darts. The darts world hasn't been the same with you not around brother. DARTS legend Leighton Rees - the first-ever winner of the Embassy World Darts crown in 1978 - died yesterday at the We're devastated to learn that Australia's Kyle Anderson, the 2017 Auckland Darts Masters champion, has passed away, aged 33. Their children are named Layton, Imogen, Maddison, and Bobby. Anderson returned to his home city of Perth in 2020 at the start of the coronavirus pandemic and relinquished his PDC Tour Card earlier this year, opting to remain in Australia ahead of the birth of his second child. He won the 1992 and 1993 PDC UK Masters events - the first held by the organisation. ", And former BDO world champion Stephen Bunting posted: "RIP Kyle Anderson. RIP Kyle Anderson. My thoughts go out to all his family and friends such a sad day. Wilson said he needed seven or eight vodkas before a match to settle his nerves, and once fell off stage. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, Tributes have been paid to Mike Gregory after he passed away aged 65, Gregory lost in the 1992 World Darts Championship final to Phil Taylor, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). He will be sadly missed., A lovely man and always fun to be with, very sorry to hear about Kyle. Fellow former world champ Adrian Lewis tweeted: Sad to hear the passing of a legend Andy Fordham our thoughts are with his family.. Fordham last played at the Lakeside world champs 13 years ago and made a memorable appearance at the 2015 Grand Slam of Darts. Rees, despite suffering from a serious heart condition, returned to Lakeside Country Club this year as the British Darts Organisation's VIP guest for the 25th Anniversary World Championship - for which he made the live televised draw with women's world champion Trina Gulliver. "I'm just pleased it's different for Ritchie. During his career, Fordham won the following darts titles: THE DARTS LEGEND HAD SUFFERED WITH A BLOCKAGE IN HIS BOWELS. He had always been known as a big drinker, making him a much-loved fan-favourite. Eric Bristow: Five-time darts world champion dies aged 60 'Tears for a legend backstage'. "Absolutely guttered to wake up with the news of the passing of Kyle Anderson. According to the Daily Mail Fordham once drank 62 bottles of Pils after celebrating he and his wife Jennys first wedding anniversary in 2001. Last updated on 24 August 202124 August 2021.From the section Darts. Nicknamed Nine-dart for his historic feat during the Dutch Open final in 2002 against Steve Coote, Greatbatch retired from the sport in 2009. His widow Jenny said: Andy was, is and always will be my champion.. And - after he had thrown every dart with his protege Ritchie Davies who was bidding to become the third Welshman to win the Embassy but lost 6-3 in the final to Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld - Rees said of his career in darts. In January 2007, he collapsed while preparing for the opening match of the BDO Worlds. In 2009, he got his weight down to 16 stone but last year he ballooned back up to 28 stone. ANDY FORDHAM went into sporting folklore for being a darts world champion and downing 24 bottles of lager a day. ", Bobby George also paid tribute saying: "So sad to hear of Mike Gregorys passing. News Corp is a network of leading companies in the worlds of diversified media, news, education, and information services. Tributes have flooded in from across the sport for the Millwall fan, born in South-east London in 1962. He made his World Championship debut in 2012-13 and relocated to Nottingham in the UK after becoming a regular on the tour, winning a Players Championship ranking event in 2017. Fordham, who famously once He downed up to 20 pints of Guinness a day, smoked and loved hot vindaloo curries. Darts hero Shaun Greatbatch has passed away at the age of 52. August 24th, 2021 9:23 pm. RIP my friend. He is best remembered for landing the first live televised nine-dart finish. The Power retired in 2018 but has signed to make a comeback at a new over-50s World Seniors tournament next year against former champs. Check out the BBC Sport Live Guide for details of all the forthcoming live sport on the BBC. He won the world championship in 1982 and 1989, beating his great rivals John Lowe and Eric Bristow. The Viking made two final appearances at the Lakeside in 2005 and 2006 before health issues saw him not able to take to the stage for the final time he qualified back in 2007 to face his 2006 opponent, Simon Whitlock. Fordham evenrevealed his dreamof returning to the oche once again. He famously became one of eight players to hit a nine-dart finish at the Alexandra Palace in a game against Ian White at the 2014 World Championship, and also represented Australia four times in the PDC World Cup of Darts alongside Simon Whitlock.