A touching tribute for a darts legend.
Former darts champion Keith Deller has paid his respects to his friend and old rival Eric Bristow who passed away on Thursday night after a heart attack.
The five time world champion’s death was announced during Thursday’s PDC Premier League event at the Echo Arena, which was understandably shaken by the news.
Deller and Bristow worked together for years with Sky Sports and the Ipswich native told presenter Dave Clark of his devastation at the news.
“I am devastated. Me and Eric were together all the time.
“What he has done for our game, I mean if it wasn’t for Eric nobody would be here tonight.
“It is a massive loss to our sport. He said what he thought and it was his honest opinion. Everyone loved Eric for that.”
Keith Deller's touching tribute last night to his great friend and rival, Eric Bristow MBE.
Lovely words @KDeller138 & @DaveClarkTV 👏 pic.twitter.com/lViryXSChu
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) April 6, 2018
Eric Bristow was the most popular player in the 1980’s during the boom stage of the flight throwing sport. Known as the “Crafty Cockney,” Bristow was one of the game’s most successful stars.
In 1982, however, Deller defeated the darts pioneer to win his only BDO World Darts Championship. He went on to tell the audience of how much that meant to him, given Bristow’s stature in the game.
“It was a long time ago when I won the World Championship. To beat Eric in the final, it could not have been any better for me.
“If you look at the stars we have had in Britain, Eric Bristow would be at the top.
“It is a very sad night. He is one of the best friends I have ever had in my life.”
It’s a very sad day my great pal Eric Bristow has sadly passed away. I will cherish the great memories and laughs we have had together over the last 30 Years. If it wasn’t for Eric our sport would not be what it is today, he leaves a great legacy. RIP my friend. pic.twitter.com/syB0ItISex
— Keith Deller MBE (@KDeller138) April 5, 2018
Soon after his interview Deller posted a moving tribute on Twitter and told fans how much he will cherish the memories of their 30 year friendship. This was also followed tributes from other darts personalities from the game of darts.
Words cannot express how sad and shocked I am to hear the terrible news about Eric's passing a huge influence on my career and a larger than life character the world has lost a legend. RIP pal #16
— Phil Taylor (@PhilTaylor) April 6, 2018
Sad news. Eric Bristow passed away this evening. A maverick a legend and one of the main reasons Darts is loved by so many people. We shall not see his like again. RIP Eric
— Barry Hearn (@BarryHearn) April 5, 2018
Shocked and saddened to hear the news about a true legend of the sport I love.
RIP Eric Bristow. Thanks for everything you did for darts.
Thoughts are with Eric's family and friends.
— Simon Whitlock (@SWhitlock180) April 5, 2018
Eric Bristow died tonight…. 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. pic.twitter.com/AbMaPEN1sk
— Raymond van Barneveld (@Raybar180) April 5, 2018
