A favourite of the British darts circuit, Fordham won the 2004 BDO World Darts Championship during a prestigious and full-throttle career. Andy who once weighed 31 stone and downed 25 bottles of lager a day had spoken openly about his health issues. Wayne Mardle has paid tribute to 'The Original' Kyle Anderson, who died at the age of 33. He will be sadly missed.". But the 53-year-old also once punched a dartboard in a fit of oche rage and in 2012 he was forced to deny being drunk on stage after looking unsteady it later emerged he had suffered a stroke. According to the Daily Mail Fordham once drank 62 bottles of Pils after celebrating he and his wife Jennys first wedding anniversary in 2001. 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. A nicer person you could not wish to meet. He was a cartoon character with forearms as thick as most peoples legs, George said after Fordham died, aged 59. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit 'subscribe'. 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. Dad-of-three Hankey, who lives in Telford, Shropshire, with wife Sarah has carried on playing but failed to equal his success. You always made me laugh every time we met. But I spoke to my doctor who warned me the virus can hit you very quickly. Fordham evenrevealed his dreamof returning to the oche once again. ", Current world No 5 James Wade commented: "Sad to hear the news that Mike Gregory has passed away. Never a dull moment with you around. 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. Professional darts referee George Noble tweeted: "Unfortunately (it) is true he passed away this morning. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. The Esquire Club in Dickinson hosted the 4th Annual Chris Dolajak Memorial Dart Tournament, who died unexpectedly in 2019, and witnessed over 50 participants support the event. 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This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. "I just spoke to one of his friends a real shame Mike had a great sense of humour. In 2009 he penned a book, The Art of Darts. A spokesperson confirmed to SunSport that The Viking RIP mate.". The 54-year-old is now dating Brit Julia Evans, 35, who lives with him in the Netherlands. 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. During his career, Fordham won the following darts titles: THE DARTS LEGEND HAD SUFFERED WITH A BLOCKAGE IN HIS BOWELS. Barry Hearn and Phil Taylor have led tributes to Kyle Anderson who has died aged 33. Never a dull moment with you around. Its slowly picking up. View our online Press Pack. Man Utd revive interest in Barcelona star De Jong, Hits & misses: Problems still to solve for Potter; Newcastle must find goals, Rice: Brighton played us off the pitch, it was demoralising, Hamilton: Mercedes 'made step forward' despite 'average' car, Kyle Anderson: Australian darts star dies aged 33, Due to your consent preferences, youre not able to view this. Andy Fordham is pictured below when he was in hospital in March last year. SunSport revealed that in 2020 the 2004 BDO World Darts Champion was recovering at home in South-East London after being discharged from hospital following a blockage in his bowels. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. A number of players who shared the oche with Anderson throughout his career have also paid tribute to the popular Australian. The Scotsman was the ultimate darts player for many, clutching a cigarette or a drink while at the oche. The tragic news was delivered to heartbroken fans by his wife Barbara on social media. Last year, the Viking was hospitalised with a bowel blockage before he was struck by coronavirus. Lowe had a lot of success in his 30 year career, The Menace used to play up to his nickname, basing his attire off the Beano character, RVB retired as one of Darts' modern legends, The King of Bling still lives up to his nickname, Wilson was the great rival of Lowe and Bristow. ", Nathan Aspinall also penned a tribute to Anderson on social media. RIP mate. Tributes have been paid to professional darts player Kyle Anderson, who has died at the age of 33. Something went wrong, please try again later. 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. In January Fordham told SunSport: Right now I am just about coping. But it was a year later that he won wordlwide acclaim as the first ever Embassy World professional champion. Former BDO world champion Stephen Bunting tweeted: "Absolutely gutted hearing the news this morning. A credit to Australian and world darts. "He was a popular player on the tour and his talent and dedication made him an inspiration to other players around the world. His family have asked well wishers to donate to the charity Heart of Darts. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. RIP mate., Darts legend Bobby George said: RIP Kyle Anderson. 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. Fordham told SunSport: Right now I am just about coping. Tributes have been paid to Australian darts player Kyle Anderson after it was announced he had died aged 33. Darts hero Shaun Greatbatch has passed away at the age of 52. My deepest condolences to all his family and friends he was lovely guy., Retired darts star Shaun Greatbatch has died aged 52. Let us know in the comments section below, One fan wrote: Saddened to hear the news about Shaun Greatbatch, quality guy, will always be remembered for that night in Holland., Another commented: Wow, that news has shocked me. One of eight players to hit a nine-dart finish at the PDC World Championship, Anderson turned professional in Tue Aug 24 2021 - 18:25. KyleDarts RIP pal. But he was the huge character that everyone raised a glass to in all walks of life. ", And former BDO world champion Stephen Bunting posted: "RIP Kyle Anderson. DARTS LEGEND ANDY FORDHAM VOWS TO FIGHT UNTIL HE CANT ANY MORE AS HE FACES LIFE-SAVING BOWEL OPERATION. 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. Fordham recently admitted he was terrified of dying after being diagnosed with coronavirus. Undoubtedly one of the great names in darts, Rees was guaranteed his place in history by winning the first world title. We are all gonna miss you mate. ANDY FORDHAM went into sporting folklore for being a darts world champion and downing 24 bottles of lager a day. The darts world hasn't been the same with you not around brother. 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.. But it was in the showdown with Englishman John Lowe where Rees made his name, and etched himself in the arrows hall of fame. Rob Cross has been married to Georgis Cross since 2011. He will be sadly missed. 31 UK players instantly became 1,000,000 richer overnight in a special one-off lottery bonanza. HOW MANY DARTS TITLES DID ANDY FORDHAM WIN? You will be missed my friend. DARTS legend Andy Fordham passed away last week at the age of 59 after suffering major organ failure. He returned to Australia during the pandemic, catching Covid-19 himself in 2020. A credit to Australian and world darts. Both former and current players paid tribute, with Bobby George branding him a gentle giant and loved by all. In January 2007, he collapsed while preparing for the opening match of the BDO Worlds. Fordham delivered his finest hour by beating Mervyn King to win the Lakeside World Championship in 2004. ST HELENS' darts community has paid tributes to much-loved professional player Kyle Anderson, who has tragically died at the age of 33. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. He lived in Suffolk and worked in the construction industry. Once his picture ended up on Top Of The Pops behind Dexys Midnight Runners as they sang Jackie Wilson Said. After winning the 2004 final,Fordhamfaced off with Phil Taylor in a match billed as The Showdown and shown on Sky Box Office but the former was taken unwell during the match, being defaulted at 5-2, with health concerns raised after it was revealed that he regularly consumed 24 bottles of lager before he went on stage. He will be sadly missed., A lovely man and always fun to be with, very sorry to hear about Kyle. He is best remembered for landing the first live televised nine-dart finish. FORMER World Darts Championship finalist Mike Gregory has passed away aged 65. Australian darts star Kyle Anderson has died at the age of 33. In January Fordham told SunSport: Right now I am just about coping. In 2009, he got his weight down to 16 stone but last year he ballooned back up to 28 stone. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. WebThe Australian darts player Kyle Andersons cause of death has been followed by mixed rumors after the star reportedly passed away on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at the young age of 33. DARTS legend Leighton Rees - the first-ever winner of the Embassy World Darts crown in 1978 - died yesterday at the He became a founding member of the PDC in his career before switching back to the BDO. Gregory reached the final in 1992 where he lost to Phil Taylor after missing six SunSport revealed that in 2020 the 2004 BDO World Darts Champion was recovering at home in South-East London after being discharged from hospital following a blockage in his bowels. I remember the British Open in Bridlington a few years back., FORDHAM RECENTLY ADMITTED HE WAS 'TERRIFIED OF DYING' AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED WITH CORONAVIRUS.