RIP Eric Bristow

Hi Guys

This actually hurts!

I have been off the seen for a while and only caught the final game of the PDC Premier League match between Gurney and Peter Wright when i heard the news.

Gutted is an understatement and i wish his family and all his clsoe friends my condolences

Eric Bristow was the first true superstar of darts and the godfather of the modern game and its popularity.  I could list all his achievements but it is unnecessary! The man was an icon in not just darts but British sports! The man retired from pro play nearly 20 years ago however would probably be the first name to come to mind when someone ask "name a darts player"

One can only wonder how many titles he would have had further if not for dartitis. It could easily be 10 or 15 and its likely we wouldn't have seen Taylor as Bristow would have had no need to create a 'project'

The man dominated darts in the 1980's, created Phil Taylor (who would go on to dominate darts for the next 2 decades), changed the way players look at out-shots, made a type of dart popular like no other (that barrel will forever be known as a Bristow dart) and brought an interest to it that can still be felt today.

60 is no age at all however Eric would be the first to tell you what an incredible life he had and with little regret.

He may not have been everyone's cup of tea, but he was human like the rest of us, he just at times had the misfortune to say things we may do but in a different forum and one that will punish you publicly for it.

I was lucky to meet Eric a few times and play him once (wiring 9 darts at d13 to win) and now if anything this privilege now seems even more something to cherish and appreciate.

I was hoping to see and play him again, unfortunately that will never happen, but i will always at least have the memory of having darts to win against possibly the best ever, albeit at a different stage in his life (and lets be honest at any other point he'd have thrashed me stupid - i am not delusional)

RIP Eric your legacy will never be forgotten

Luke