"He was so important for my career. It is a massive shock for myself, and the world of darts"
Friday 6 April 2018 15:16, UK
Raymond van Barneveld has expressed how Eric Bristow inspired him to become a darts world champion.
Bristow passed away on Thursday aged 60, and tributes have poured in to honour him.
"I was always a big fan because he was the best - a five-time world champion," Van Barneveld said.
"When we were practicing, me and my friends, I always wanted to be Eric Bristow. I started using his material. I used the same darts.
"He was so important for my career. It is a massive shock for myself, and the world of darts.
"Two years ago, here in Liverpool, we heard on the news that Johan Cruyff had passed away. Now Eric Bristow. To me, they are similar people.
"In his years, he was the best - always rivalling with John Lowe, Jockey Wilson. Phil Taylor started his career because of Eric Bristow.
"I always dreamed of being as good as him."
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