Darts legend Mike Gregory passes away aged 65
Former World Championship finalist and multiple major title winner Mike Gregory has passed away at the age of 65.
Gregory was one of the sport’s most recognisable faces in the 90s and was famously involved in one of the most memorable matches of all-time against Phil Taylor in the 1992 World Championship final.
Gregory squandered six match darts to claim the world title at Lakeside, eventually losing 6-5, with Taylor having since listed this as his greatest ever match.
Nicknamed ‘The Quiet Man of Darts’, Gregory made history by becoming the winner of the first-ever televised WDC (now PDC) tournament – the 1992 Lada UK Masters, defeating Dennis Priestley in the final.
He also reached the final of the World Masters in 1983 and 1992 and won the Unipart British Professional and MFI World Matchplay titles, as well as the News of the World title on two occasions.
Gregory became a founding member of the World Darts Council during the famous ‘split’, but only to have a change of heart and return to the BDO shortly after.
He picked up his last major title at the 1995 Unipart European Masters and made his last World Championship appearance at Lakeside in 1999, suffering a First Round defeat to Martin Adams.
Since then, Gregory had continued to represent Somerset at county level and compete in local leagues.
His former rivals and friends have paid their tributes on social media following the news of his death on Tuesday morning.
Mike Gregory vs Phil Taylor in the final of the 1992 World Championship ๐ฅ
๐๐ป ๐ฎ๐น๐น-๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐น๐ฎ๐๐๐ถ๐ฐ.pic.twitter.com/5eFJyLr7hN
— Live Darts (@livedarts) April 19, 2022
Sad news today that one of darts great champions has passed away.
Mike Gregory was a prolific winner of TV titles between 1984 and 1995, including the World Matchplay, 2x News of the World and 2x UK Masters.
Regarded by many as the finest player never to become World Champion.— Richard Ashdown (@LittleRichard) April 19, 2022
Sad to hear the news that Mike Gregory has passed away. Thoughts are with his family RIP.
— James Wade (@JamesWade180) April 19, 2022
Sincere condolences to Mikes family. Absolute gentleman, World Class dart player (often over used but not in Mikes case) with a wicked sense of humour.
Will be sadly missed by many but remembered forever.
Sleep well Mike, The Brown family pic.twitter.com/LK7vGDJNvZ
— ๊ฑแดแดแด แด สสแดแดกษด (@steve180brown) April 19, 2022
Saddened to hear of the passing of Mike Gregory. May he rest in peace x
— Jamie Caven ๐บ๐ฆ (@jabba180) April 19, 2022
Just heard the sad news that Mike Gregory has passed away. Really nice friend and Darts colleague who I had the pleasure of doing many an exhibition with. My thoughts go out to all his family and friends such a sad day. RIP my friend
— Stevebeaton (@Stevebeaton180) April 19, 2022
So sad to hear of Mike Gregoryโs passing. Sincere condolences go out to his family and friends. RIP Mike โฅ๏ธ
— Bobby George (@BobbyGeorge180) April 19, 2022
