Australian darts player Kyle Anderson has died aged 33.
The Professional Darts Corporation confirmed on Tuesday morning that Anderson passed away.
"The 33-year-old from Perth was a popular figure on the circuit, initially coming through the DartPlayers Australia system to win the 2012 Oceanic Masters," the PDC said in a statement.
"He made his World Championship debut at the 2012/13 event and landed a nine-darter on the Alexandra Palace stage the following year as he blossomed on the international stage.
"Anderson won a PDC Tour Card in 2014, and enjoyed his best spell three years later, winning a Players Championship and then the Auckland Darts Masters on the World Series of Darts circuit in August 2017.
"He also achieved a second televised nine-darter, in the semi-finals of the 2017 European Championship, and was joined by brother Beau in competing at the 2013 Sydney Darts Masters and 2014 World Championship.
"Anderson had returned to Australia in 2020 at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, and relinquished his PDC Tour Card in January."
🕯️ "𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝘄, 𝗞𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻!" 🇦🇺
Australia's first Indigenous professional darts player, Kyle Anderson was a true trailblazer for the sport.
He produced some incredible moments up on that oche and here are five of his best moments...
Fly high, Kyle. pic.twitter.com/14WfgcZCnN— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) August 24, 2021
Several players have paid tribute to their colleague who played at seven World Championship.
"A lovely man and always fun to be with, very sorry to hear about Kyle. We had many great games and a fantastic player. A credit to Australian and world darts," tweeted three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen.
Fellow Australian Simon Whitlock said he was "totally gutted" by the news.
"Not only a brilliant player but a very nice man," said Whitlock.
"Many times I played against him and loved playing with him. You will be missed Kyle but never forgotten - tragic."
PDC president Barry Hearn said: "We send our condolences and best wishes to Kyle's family and friends at this terribly sad time, particularly his wife and children.
"Kyle's achievements in his short-lived career were outstanding, notably his Auckland Darts Masters win, and a fitting reward for the sacrifices he made to follow his dream.
"He was a popular player on the tour and his talent and dedication made him an inspiration to other players around the world."
Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
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