‘We have lost a true legend’ - Grief-stricken Phil Taylor pays tribute to darts mentor, Eric Bristow

Eric Bristow with Phil Taylor in 2004
Rex Features
Simon Johnson6 April 2018

Phil Taylor admitted he is in shock after the sudden death of his mentor, Eric Bristow.

Five-time world champion Bristow passed away aged 60 after suffering a heart attack during a darts event in Liverpool last night.

As well as being a legend of the sport, Bristow played a major part in Taylor’s success.

Taylor, who has won a record 16 world titles, was spotted by Bristow playing county darts for Staffordshire and invited to practise with him. The man nicknamed ‘The Crafty Cockney’ also sponsored Taylor £9,000 to kick-start his career.

Writing on Twitter today, Taylor said: “Words cannot express how sad and shocked I am to hear the terrible news about Eric’s passing. He had a huge influence on my career and was a larger than life character. The world has lost a legend. RIP pal.”

Two-time world champion Michael van Gerwen was playing at the event in Liverpool when he heard the news.

He said: “It’s a huge shock. He’s a legend in what he did. Look at what he did for darts, how many titles he won.

“He was someone with very honest opinions. He’s going to be a big miss. He was one of the makers of darts.

“To hear of this - I know him quite well - I have goosebumps all over my body at the moment.”

Raymond van Barneveld, a five-time world champion, said: “I’m devastated! He was darts. He meant so much to me, I can’t believe it.”

Bristow won the first of his world titles in 1980, defeating fellow Londoner Bobby George, and then claimed the crown in four of the next six years.

In Pictures | Eric Bristow

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In the in 1983 final, he suffered a shock 6-5 defeat by Keith Deller. Today Deller said: “I am devastated. Me and Eric were together all the time.

“It is a massive loss to our sport. He said what he thought and it was his honest opinion. Everyone loved Eric for that.

“When he was playing darts, in our day, he had the self-belief to win every tournament.

“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.”

Bosses at the Professional Darts Corporation were today deciding how to honour Bristow.

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