Tributes have poured in for darts commentator Sid Waddell after his death at the age of 72.
Waddell, who had been battling bowel cancer since last September, died on Saturday night.
A statement yesterday from his manager, Dick Allix, read: "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."
Bobby George, twice a British Darts Organisation World Championship finalist, was among the first to pay tribute, writing on Twitter: "So sad to hear of the passing of the legend Sid Waddell or Sidly as I used to call him. Sincere condolences go out to the family."
Three-time world champion John Lowe added: "Darts has lost its champion of the commentary box, Sid Waddell, sincere condolences to his family, goodbye dear friend."
Waddell, Northumberland-born and a Cambridge graduate, was a central part of Sky Sports' coverage of professional darts events since 1994.
He was known for his colourful and excitable commentary style, with his best-known lines including "There's only one word for it – 'magic darts'."
He also noted, while watching Eric Bristow become world champion: "When Alexander of Macedonia was 33, he cried salt tears because there were no more worlds to conquer ... Bristow's only 27."
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