"Bristow will go down as one of the absolute superstars of sport"
Friday 6 April 2018 12:07, UK
A heartbroken Wayne Mardle described Eric Bristow as "one of the superstars of sport" after the sad news of his death at the age of 60.
Bristow, the five-time world darts champion, passed away on Thursday night following a heart attack.
Known as the 'Crafty Cockney', Bristow won his five titles as a player in the British Darts Organisation, dominating the sport between 1980 and 1986. His first title, a 5-3 defeat of Bobby George, marked the start of his dynasty.
Speaking to host Dave Clark, Mardle paid his own tribute to Bristow, saying he had 'that star quality'.
He had that star quality and not many people have that. They can show off and think that they've got it, but Eric had it.
"Bristow will go down as one of the absolute superstars of sport like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and from all walks of life. People know who Eric Bristow was. To even say was, rather than is, it's heartbreaking," an emotional Mardle said.
"He had that star quality and not many people have that. They can show off and think that they've got it, but Eric had it.
"I've worked with him for years, but the best memory I have of Eric was I won a big event as a teenager at fifteen and he presented me with the trophy and I've got the trophy.
"I'm not one for memorabilia but Eric presented me with that and I've got the t-shirt, I've got photos. I don't keep anything like that, but I've got that avarice and it just so sad."
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