Gary Anderson paid an emotional tribute to Eric Bristow last night after the five-times world
champion’s tragic death.
The Crafty Cockney passed away after collapsing at Liverpool’s Echo Arena with a heart attack during the Premier League event.
Arguably the sport’s first superstar, Bristow, 60, was king five times between 1980-1986.
Confirmation of the news broke during the final game between Peter Wright and Daryl Gurney.
The 8,000-strong crowd broke into song chanting his name amid scenes of emotion as Wright also broke down on the stage.
Anderson said: “It’s just shocking news. I fell in love with the game watching Eric play Jocky Wilson in the early 80s.
“Eric was a straight guy who never pulled any punches and I liked that about him. A real legend. It’s a sad day.”
Results became secondary on the painful evening for the players.
Anderson lost 7-5 to Rob Cross while Wright reached stage two after a 6-6 draw with Gurney.
