Tributes have been pouring in today for Kyle Anderson, who has died at the age of 33.
Australia’s first Indigenous professional darts player, Anderson played in seven World Championships, first competing at the 2012-13 tournament.
Watched on by his older brother Beau Anderson, a professional at the time, he threw a nine-dart finish against Ian White at the 2014 tournament, one of only eight players to ever do so on the World Championship stage.
His greatest achievement came in 2017 when he won the Auckland Darts Masters. Beating top eight seeds Michael Whitlock and James Wade on his way to the final, Anderson then edged out fellow Australian Corey Cadby in a deciding leg.
A week before that victory he won a Players Championship event, his first ranking title.
Anderson also hit his second televised nine-darter at the 2017 European Championship, and reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup of Darts alongside Whitlock.
Tributes were led by PDC President Barry Hearn, who said that “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.”
Anderson had re-located to Nottingham in the UK after becoming a regular on tour, winning his PDC tour card in 2014. He moved back to Sydney in 2020 at the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, giving up his tour card at the start of this year when he decided to remain in Australia ahead of the birth of his second child.
No cause of death has been announced.
Totally gutted to wake to the terrible news about Kyle. Not only a brilliant player but a very nice man. Many times I played against him and loved playing with him. You will be missed Kyle but never forgotten – tragic 🥲🌹🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/TgYJdGHKxE
— Simon Whitlock (@SWhitlock180) August 24, 2021
What terrible news to wake up to what a nice friendly man. @KyleDarts RIP pal.
Thoughts go to all your family.— Phil Taylor (@PhilTaylor) August 24, 2021
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. RIP mate. 🙏🌹 pic.twitter.com/1tpS9U5HZY
— Michael Van Gerwen (@MvG180) August 24, 2021
Devastated to wake up to the news this morning of Kyle passing away.
He will be missed by all. Kyle was a great funny guy. Always made me laugh!
Sending thoughts to all your family. pic.twitter.com/E0TkeB8HyL— James Wade (@JamesWade180) August 24, 2021
Absolutely gutted hearing the news this morning. RIP Kyle Anderson. The darts world hasn’t been the same with you not around brother. You always made me laugh every time we met. Never a dull moment with you around. We are all gonna miss you mate. Xx 😢 pic.twitter.com/9C2etqmNII
— Stephen Bunting (@sbunting180) August 24, 2021
Featured image by Dom Fellowes from UK – PDC Semis, CC BY 2.0; no changes made.
