Darts commentator Sid Waddell has died after a long battle with illness.
Waddell passed away peacefully just a day after his 72nd birthday following an 11 month fight with bowel cancer.
A statement from his manager Dick Allix was released at midday on Sunday reading: "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, Saturday August 11 2012."
Known as the 'voice of darts', Waddell had commentated and written on the sport for over 40 years and was well known for his flamboyant style which epitomised the modern sport of darts.
Many of his phrases have been immortalised in broadcasting folklore, including "There's only one word for it - magic darts" and famously, when describing five-time World Champion Eric Bristow, "When Alexander of Macedonia was 33, he cried salt tears because there were no more worlds to conquer...Bristow's only 27."
Waddell, born in Northumberland and a passionate Newcastle United supporter, also commentated on 9-ball pool and wrote popular children's TV programmes Jossy's Giants and Sloggers, as well as having 11 books published.
He had worked for Sky Sports since 1994 and was a regular fixture at all PDC events until becoming ill during 2011. Despite undergoing treatment for cancer, he managed to return to the commentary box for one-off appearances at the World Championship and Premier League earlier this year.
Everyone at Unicorn Darts sends their deepest condolences to Sid's family at this sad time. Darts will miss him.