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. His widow Jenny said: Andy was, is and always will be my champion.. Andy pulled through but would be dead just six months later, ANDY RECENTLY THANKED FANS FOR SUPPORT AFTER RECOVERING FROM COVID. We had many great games and a fantastic player. But, on Thursday, it was confirmed that he had passed away with wife Jenny by his side. HOW DID ANDY FORDHAM EARN HIS NICKNAME THE VIKING? The 54-year-old is now dating Brit Julia Evans, 35, who lives with him in the Netherlands. During his career, Fordham won the following darts titles: THE DARTS LEGEND HAD SUFFERED WITH A BLOCKAGE IN HIS BOWELS. He turned professional in 2014 and won his first ranking title at a Players Championship event in August 2017. Fellow former world champ Adrian Lewis tweeted: Sad to hear the passing of a legend Andy Fordham our thoughts are with his family.. A fan favourite during his eventful career, the Viking won the 2004 BDO World Championship after defeating Mervyn King in the final. KyleDarts RIP pal. 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. But he accepted his career was blighted by heavy boozing, which meant that he never capitalised on that BDO world title. Kyle Anderson, a decorated Australian darts player, has died. While he still supped booze at the oche, he took better care of his health than other stars and was also known for his sportsmanship. 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. Despite recovering from Covid, the darts legend sadly passed away following organ failure just 6 months after battling the virus. WebMichael Smith won the PDC World Darts Championship for the first time. And on top of any list of world darts champions only one thing is ever written - 1978 Leighton Rees (Wales). But I spoke to my doctor who warned me the virus can hit you very quickly. Fordham told SunSport: Right now I am just about coping. The 55-year-old has spoken publicly about his battle with coronavirus and the long-term impact it's having on him since he contracted it in 2020. Fordham evenrevealed his dreamof returning to the oche once again. TEE-RIFFIC: Golf influencer who is 'too beautiful' loves bikini shots and could rival Paige Spiranac, Golf influencer Waiyi Chan is growing in popularity with her glamorous Instagram posts and is seen as a possible rival for social media sensation Paige Spiranac, Bikini-clad carpenter claims 'old fashioned' co-workers don't like her racy work outfits, A female carpenter, who is known online as "The Bikini Woodworker", claims "old fashioned" people in the trade aren't a fan of her videos where she dons a two-piece swimsuit to work, Stephen Bears fiance breaks silence as reality star is jailed for revenge porn, Stephen Bear's fianc Jessica Smith threw her support behind the disgraced TV star, insisting she will "always" be by his side despite his 21-month prison sentence, Putin's 'secret brood of children' with ex-Olympic star 'raised in luxury', Vladimir Putin is said to be secretly raising several children with his alleged girlfriend, Alina Kabaeva, in a 'luxury forest palace' fit for a 'royal' as the leak reportedly comes from Kabaeva's friends, 'Sonic boom' mystery that felt like 'explosion' to people across country is solved, People in Leicester, Oxford and Northampton all reported hearing a "sonic boom" that sounded like a "bomb had gone off" earlier today, causing ground shakes and the cause has finally been determined, Love Island fans accuse bosses of 'hiding the real Lana' after spotting key clue, Love Island fans think the main show, which airs throughout the week, is doing Lana Jenkins 'dirty' with producers 'hiding' her personality and instead airing a 'scripted' show, Johnny Depp shocks locals with unexpected arrival at Lincolnshire antique shop, Pirates Of The Caribbean actor and Hollywood icon Johnny Depp rocked up and bought several guitars at the Lincolnshire antiques shop after arriving by helicopter, Rylan Clark admits bizarre phobia after being 'obsessed' with Monster Munch crisps, This Morning presenter Rylan Clark said he used to love eating Monster Munch crisps as a youngster, but things took a turn when he scoffed too many of the snacks, Erling Haaland loses the plot in scrap with Dan Burn - before laughing it off, Erling Haaland has bullied numerous defences since his arrival in the Premier League, but the Manchester City forward's took on his largest opponent yet - Dan Burn, Only 1% of players can find hidden ghost inside room in under 11 seconds. Anderson had returned to Australia in 2020 at the start of the coronavirus pandemic and relinquished his PDC Tour Card in January. Check out the BBC Sport Live Guide for details of all the forthcoming live sport on the BBC. And his talent arguably deserved more than the one BDO World Championship he won in 2004. Dad-of-three Hankey, who lives in Telford, Shropshire, with wife Sarah has carried on playing but failed to equal his success. Racing Golf Tennis Athletics Darts Snooker US Sports. 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.. Wilson said he needed seven or eight vodkas before a match to settle his nerves, and once fell off stage. But he also had skill and reached two BDO world championships in 1980 and 1994. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. He downed up to 20 pints of Guinness a day, smoked and loved hot vindaloo curries. Gregory reached the final in 1992 where he lost to Phil Taylor after missing six Personal life In 1986, Peter married wife Angie, who died in 2012. The death of popular dad-of-two Neil McAfee, 58, has shocked the local community. In 2009 he penned a book, The Art of Darts. Both former and current players paid tribute, with Bobby George branding him a gentle giant and loved by all. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. He won the 1992 and 1993 PDC UK Masters events - the first held by the organisation. Now 75, he is married and lives in Chesterfield, Derbys. His clutch of titles included three world championships and he was the first player to land a televised nine-dart finish in 1984. In an emotional interview the former world champion broke down in tears as he explained how a doctor has warned him he faces a make-or-break few days. But his cult status fare outgrew his ability with a set of darts. Along with Eric Bristow and Jocky Wilson, Lowe dominated darts during the 1980s and was one of the 16 who broke away from the BDO to form the PDC. Gregory reached the final in 1992 where he lost to Phil Taylor after missing six match darts to win the world title - eventually losing out in a sudden death leg. Tributes have been paid to Australian darts player Kyle Anderson after it was announced he had died aged 33. He 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. It was revealed how the popular thrower last year underwent major bowel surgery before contracting Covid-19 at the start of 2021. But I spoke to my doctor who warned me the virus can hit you very quickly. He stopped playing darts when he was 46, after being diagnosed with diabetes which prevented him from drinking during the games. Andy Fordham sadly lost his life on Thursday, and the darts legend left behind a legacy most can only dream of. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. You will be missed my friend. It was no surprise that he was beset by health problems throughout his career. TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved darts player who tragically collapsed and died while playing in a local match. The darts world hasn't been the same with you not around brother. His walk-on tune was Im Too Sexy by Right Said Fred but for so long he was the nearly man of the oche with four semi-final defeats until he finally got his hands of the famous old trophy. We are all gonna miss you mate. We're devastated to learn that Australia's Kyle Anderson, the 2017 Auckland Darts Masters champion, has passed away, aged 33. 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 . In 2009, he got his weight down to 16 stone but last year he ballooned back up to 28 stone. (Getty Images) Australian darts star Kyle Anderson has died at the age of 33. TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved darts player who tragically collapsed and died while playing in a local match. Xx", Glittering drama based on the audacious Brinks-Mat security depot heist, A corrupt copper and a Leeds gangster are bound together by decades of dishonesty. Tributes have flooded in from across the sport for the Millwall fan, born in South-east London in 1962. "I just spoke to one of his friends a real shame Mike had a great sense of humour. In 2007, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer but, after treatment, returned to darts the following year. He lived in Suffolk and worked in the construction industry. Family. In January Fordham told SunSport: Right now I am just about coping. "Kyle's 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. A spokesperson confirmed to SunSport that The Viking passed away in hospital on Thursday morning after suffering major organ failure. 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. RIP, . pic.twitter.com/1tpS9U5HZY, Michael Van Gerwen wrote: A lovely man and always fun to be with, very sorry to hear about Kyle. Andy Fordham, the former darts world champion and iconic figure in the sport, has sadly passed away at the age of just 59. One of eight players to hit a nine-dart finish at the PDC World Championship, Anderson turned professional in I remember the British Open in Bridlington a few years back., FORDHAM RECENTLY ADMITTED HE WAS 'TERRIFIED OF DYING' AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED WITH CORONAVIRUS. 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. Our thoughts are with Kyle's family and friends at this time. 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. Fordham was a superb player who was hugely popular with fans. Last year, the Vikingwas hospitalised with a bowel blockagebefore he wasstruck by coronavirus. 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. FAMILY HAS ASKED DONATIONS TO GO TO CHARITY HEART OF DARTS. Once his picture ended up on Top Of The Pops behind Dexys Midnight Runners as they sang Jackie Wilson Said. He will be sadly missed.". We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. This service is provided on talkSPORT Ltd's Terms of Use in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Its slowly picking up. And fans and darts stars alike have now taken to Twitter to pay tribute to the icon. Rees had four rounds to battle through to win in 1978. He was rushed to hospital after suffering with severe chest pains and breathing issues, and had a minor stroke. He had always been known as a big drinker, making him a much-loved fan-favourite. He also won the 1999 World Masters, beating Wayne Jones. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. 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. Fordham delivered his finest hour by beating Mervyn King to win the Lakeside World Championship in 2004. Stoke's Taylor is the richest and most successful darts player in 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.. A fantastic dart player and an even nicer bloke. Everyone at the PDC sends their condolences to Tony's family and friends." A fantastic dart player and an even nicer bloke. 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. 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 TEE-RIFFIC: Golf influencer who is 'too beautiful' loves bikini shots and could rival Paige Spiranac, Golf influencer Waiyi Chan is growing in popularity with her glamorous Instagram posts and is seen as a possible rival for social media sensation Paige Spiranac, Bikini-clad carpenter claims 'old fashioned' co-workers don't like her racy work outfits, A female carpenter, who is known online as "The Bikini Woodworker", claims "old fashioned" people in the trade aren't a fan of her videos where she dons a two-piece swimsuit to work, Stephen Bears fiance breaks silence as reality star is jailed for revenge porn, Stephen Bear's fianc Jessica Smith threw her support behind the disgraced TV star, insisting she will "always" be by his side despite his 21-month prison sentence, Putin's 'secret brood of children' with ex-Olympic star 'raised in luxury', Vladimir Putin is said to be secretly raising several children with his alleged girlfriend, Alina Kabaeva, in a 'luxury forest palace' fit for a 'royal' as the leak reportedly comes from Kabaeva's friends, 'Sonic boom' mystery that felt like 'explosion' to people across country is solved, People in Leicester, Oxford and Northampton all reported hearing a "sonic boom" that sounded like a "bomb had gone off" earlier today, causing ground shakes and the cause has finally been determined, Love Island fans accuse bosses of 'hiding the real Lana' after spotting key clue, Love Island fans think the main show, which airs throughout the week, is doing Lana Jenkins 'dirty' with producers 'hiding' her personality and instead airing a 'scripted' show, Johnny Depp shocks locals with unexpected arrival at Lincolnshire antique shop, Pirates Of The Caribbean actor and Hollywood icon Johnny Depp rocked up and bought several guitars at the Lincolnshire antiques shop after arriving by helicopter, Rylan Clark admits bizarre phobia after being 'obsessed' with Monster Munch crisps, This Morning presenter Rylan Clark said he used to love eating Monster Munch crisps as a youngster, but things took a turn when he scoffed too many of the snacks, Erling Haaland loses the plot in scrap with Dan Burn - before laughing it off, Erling Haaland has bullied numerous defences since his arrival in the Premier League, but the Manchester City forward's took on his largest opponent yet - Dan Burn, Only 1% of players can find hidden ghost inside room in under 11 seconds. Fordham, "Really nice friend and Darts colleague who I had the pleasure of doing many an exhibition with.