PDC co-founder Dick Allix passes away

Dick Allix, who co-founded the Professional Darts Corporation, has passed away at the age of 78.

Allix, alongside Tommy Cox and John Markovic, played an integral role in the formation of the World Darts Council (now the PDC) after the sport’s elite players broke away from the BDO in 1992.

Allix had managed five-time World Champion Eric Bristow at the height of his career and went on to become WDC chief executive and later moved into the role of event director in 2001.

It was perhaps an unlikely transition into darts for Allix – a former drummer for the band Vanity Fare – whose hit song ‘Hitchin’ A Ride’ sold over a million copies in the US in 1969.

In 2010, he was inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame alongside Cox in recognition of their important contribution to the sport.

Following his retirement from the PDC in 2014, Allix remained in management and worked alongside commentators Wayne Mardle, Rod Studd and Dan Dawson, having also managed the legendary Sid Waddell.

It was announced by the PDC that Allix passed away on Wednesday morning.

PDC chief executive Matt Porter said: “We send our deepest condolences to Dick’s family and friends at this sad time.

“Dick made an immense contribution to the sport across five decades and was instrumental alongside Tommy Cox and John Markovic in harnessing the vision to create a new future for darts.

“He held a number of roles within the sport and saw that vision come to fruition, and we know how proud he was to see the PDC go from strength to strength.

“He will be sadly missed by us all.”