Nine-dart legend Shaun Greatbatch passes away aged 52

Darts history-maker Shaun Greatbatch has passed away at the age of 52.

Greatbatch created a slice of history by becoming the first player to hit a nine-dart finish live on television in the final of the 2002 Dutch Open.

He checked out 141 via T20, T15, D18 during the third leg of the second set against Steve Coote and went on to claim the title.

The Suffolk thrower joined the BDO in 1996 and picked up several titles, including the Dutch Open, Swedish Open, Denmark Open and England National Championships.

Greatbatch made his Lakeside debut in 2001 and went on to make eight appearances in total, with his best run coming in 2006 when he reached the Semi-Finals.

That run secured him a place in the inaugural Grand Slam of Darts the following year – where he finished third in a group which included Jelle Klaasen, Kevin McDine and Peter Manley.

In 2008, Greatbatch was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Despite his illness, he still managed to compete in the 2009 BDO World Championship. Following defeat to John Walton in Round One, he emotionally left the stage to a guard of honour made up of the rest of the players in the tournament, as well as officials and referees.

He had since competed in local tournaments and worked in the construction industry.

Fellow darts professionals have paid their tributes on social media following the news of his death on Monday.

Devastated to hear that Shaun Greatbatch has passed away at the young age of 52! A lovely man and a great dart player. RIP Shaun.

— Bobby George (@BobbyGeorge180) June 6, 2022

Sad news to hear the passing of Shaun Greatbatch. Shaun was a brilliant darts player but fought so hard with his illness, But when I saw him he never moaned about it. Taken way too early. Thoughts are withShaun’s family at this very sad time RIP Shaun

— Keith Deller (@KDeller138) June 6, 2022

So sad to hear the awful news that Shaun Greatbatch has passed away at only 52. My deepest condolences to all his family and friends he was lovely guy.

— Stevebeaton (@Stevebeaton180) June 6, 2022

Another great man has been to taken, our thoughts go out to Barbara & family at this sad time! Rip Shaun https://t.co/FxmfPtQfCn

— Gary Anderson (@GaryAnderson180) June 6, 2022

Sadly news that shaun greatbatch past away. My condolences to his family and friends 🙏🙏

— Jermaine Wattimena (@machinegun180) June 6, 2022

Sad to hear Shaun Greatbatch has passed away. Nice fella – hit the first live TV 9 Darter at the Dutch Open 2002 .. RIP. pic.twitter.com/3ZaesqLYIT

— The Iceman Darts (@AlanWarriner) June 6, 2022

Gobsmacked to hear the terrible news of Shaun Greatbatch passing away.He always had so much time for me and was always willing to help when I was coming through the youth system. Such a lovely man. Rip mate. My thoughts are with his family at this awful time

— James Hubbard (@Hubbard180) June 6, 2022

Saddened to hear of the shocking news of the death of Shaun Greatbatch,condolences to the Greatbatch family,lovely guy..RIP Shaun

— Kevin Painter (@OfficialKP180) June 6, 2022

Just heard Shaun Greatbatch passed away…sad news.

— Dave Whitcombe (@DWhitcombe180) June 6, 2022