'Voice Of Darts' Sid Waddell Dies, Aged 72

Legendary darts broadcaster Sid Waddell has died at the age of 72.

He played a major role in Sky Sports' coverage of professional darts and was known for his exuberant and excitable commentary style.

Waddell had been fighting bowel cancer since September and passed away late on Saturday surrounded by his family.

A statement from his manager Dick Allix read: "With great sadness, we announce that, following a long illness, broadcaster and author Sid Waddell died peacefully with all his family around him late last night."

Former players and broadcasters paid tribute to Sid after hearing news of his death.

Five times British darts champion Eric Bristow told Sky Sports News: "Sid was top dog, wasn't he? He's not going to be replaced - he was a one-off."

BBC Sport's Gary Lineker wrote on Twitter: "See that Sid Waddell has lost his fight with cancer. He really was the voice of his sport. A brilliant, witty, colourful commentator."

Sky Sports' Dave Clark, who worked with Waddell for many years, tearfully remembered his former colleague on Sky Sports News.

"He was the voice of darts," said Clark. "Darts isn't going to be the same without Sid Waddell.

"He had a child-like exuberance, he'd be bouncing round like a young puppy in the commentary box, and mix that with the intellect of Einstein.

"He was a brilliant man, a genius of the microphone - I'm going to miss my old mate, that's for sure."

Presenter Jeff Stelling added: "It's shattering news. Back when I was working with him, he made more of an impact than any of the players did. He is totally irreplaceable.

"There has never been such a sports commentator to make such an impact. He had a wonderful turn of phrase. He was the leader of the gang and we were all in his gang."

A statement from Sky Sports’ managing director Barney Francis read: "We all remember Sid's wonderful words, his great sense of humour and his passion for the sport he loved.

"Sid was a friend to all of us at Sky Sports, at the heart of our darts coverage since the early 1990s. He was a wonderful man and we will miss him deeply.

"Our thoughts are with Irene (his wife) and family at this very sad time."

As well as being the voice of professional darts, Sid published 11 books and wrote the popular sport-based children's programme, Jossy's Giants.

Waddell's other commentary work included a one-off appearance as the BBC National Lottery's "voice of the balls".

He was perhaps best known for his one liner: "There's only one word for it - 'magic darts'."