Darts commentator Sid Waddell dies after cancer battle

Commentator Sid Waddell pictured in 2003 Credit: Press Association

Darts broadcaster Sid Waddell has died at the age of 72 after losing his battle with bowel cancer.

His manager Dick Allix said:

Waddell was a central part of Sky Sports' coverage of PDC darts events since 1994 and was known for his colourful and excitable commentary style, with his best-known lines including:

Read more classic quotes from ITV Calandar.

Sid Waddell during the game between Colin Lloyd and Chris Mason in 2003 Credit: Press Association

Waddell also noted, while watching Eric Bristow become world champion:

Waddell began his media career at ITV, working on documentaries and with Michael Parkinson at Granada Television before moving to Yorkshire Television in 1972.

At Yorkshire Television, Waddell produced the news programme Calendar and put darts on screen for the first time with the creation of The Indoor League.

Waddell's other commentary work included pool's Mosconi Cup, while he also made a one-off appearance as the BBC National Lottery's "voice of the balls".

In addition, he has had 11 books published and wrote the sport-based BBC children's programmes Jossy's Giants and Sloggers, receiving a nomination for best scriptwriter from the Writer's Guild of Great Britain for the latter.