PDC co-founder Tommy Cox passes away aged 72 and darts stars pay tribute

Back in 1993, Cox linked up with Dick Allix and John Markovic alongside 14 stars of the sport to form the World Darts Council (now PDC).

He took on the role of Tournament Director for over 20 years until his retirement in 2015 and helped make the PDC as globally successful as it is today.

He was inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame in 2010 alongside Allix, recognising their contribution in the formation and success of the PDC.

Chairman Barry Hearn said: This is an extremely sad day for us all at the PDC. Tommy's contribution to our formation can never be under-stated and will never be forgotten.

"He was known and respected throughout the sport and I know that he was proud of the worldwide growth of the PDC since he stood shoulder to shoulder with Dick and the players during darts' split.

"I can honestly say that Tommy was one of the primary reasons why I got involved in darts. He encouraged me to get into the sport and it's something I'll never forget.

"Although he had retired, Tommy was still involved in darts in recent years and will be sadly missed."

PDC Director Marcus Robertson, who worked with Tommy for over 30 years, said: "Tommy Cox was, more than any other individual, the founding father of the modern day PDC and the sport of darts.

"His 100% belief that darts had a better future that could only be provided by the PDC has been proved by the last 25 years as the sport has grown across the globe.

"At heart more than anything else Tommy was a true lover of the sport of darts and darts players. The current and future generations of Players are reaping the rewards that his tenacity and, he would admit, occasional sheer singleness of purpose, have created."

Former world number one Rod Harrington, a PDC Director, said: "We were very close friends and it's a sad day.

"The PDC wouldn't where it is today if it wasn't for Tommy. He was so strong - bombastic in a way - and such a great character and he believed in the cause, which made everyone else stay strong around him, including me.

"He became a very close friend, especially during the split. We've had some good times over the years and we had a lot of respect for each other."

Tommy's late brother Eddie and son Danny also worked for the PDC, and he was a keen follower of Newcastle United, a horse racing enthusiast, lover of music and devoted family man.