TRIBUTES FLOW FOR GENTLE GIANT FORDHAM
PHIL TAYLOR led a galaxy of tributes to Andy ‘The Viking’ Fordham after the gentle giant of darts died at 59. The 16-times world champion, who played Fordham in the only pay-per-view darts match in history 17 years ago, was “devastated” to learn of his old rival’s death last night. And ‘The Power’ admitted: “When you think of the brightest stars to light up the oche, none of us shone brighter than Andy.
“He was one of our biggest characters, one of the top draws, and everywhere he went, the punters loved him.
“I can’t believe we will never see the big man in a major tournament again – he leaves a void which may never be filled.”
Adrian Lewis, who won back-to-back PDC world titles at Alexandra Palace, called Fordham a “legend” and two-time BDO world finalist Bobby George said: “He was a gentle giant and loved by all.” Fordham, who had battled a number of health issues, shot to fame in 2004 when he beat Mervyn King in the final to win the Lakeside world title.
He passed away at home with his wife Jenny by his side. Six months ago, he contracted Covid-19 and admitted it was the “scariest” experience of his life.