TRIBUTES have been paid to former professional Reg Harding, who passed away on Monday, aged 68, following a battle with cancer.
Sussex-based Harding, nicknamed The Horse, played in PDC tournaments from 1995-2006, appearing in the World Championship on five occasions, four times in the World Matchplay and in the first two years of the UK Open, in 2003 and 2004.
The winner of the 1988 Double Diamond Masters title, Reg's best run in a PDC tournament came at the 2002 Ireland Open Classic, where he lost 6-5 in the semi-finas to eventual champion John Part.
Speaking to pdc.tv, veteran star Denis Ovens paid tribute to his friend and former rival, saying: "This is very sad news and Reg will be missed a great deal.
"I got to know Reg really well over the years and he was good fun. Before he started out in darts he did a bit of wrestling with the likes of Big Daddy and Mick McManus, and then I first came across him when he played for Sussex.
"He moved across to the London Superleague after that so he'd play against my team and then we played for a lot of years together on the circuit."
PDC Tournament Director Tommy Cox said: "I am so sad to learn this awful news. Reg was a top, top man. Best to his family, a privilege to have known him."
Phil Taylor , who defeated Harding in both the World Championship and World Matchplay in 1999, Tweeted: "I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Reg Harding, lovely man."
Alex Roy , who was a 3-0 winner in their meeting at the 2000 World Championship, said: "RIP Reg Harding. Can't believe it, have great memories. A true gent that will be missed in the game of darts."
Two-time World Champion Dennis Priestley Tweeted: "Very sad to hear the news that a great friend of mine has passed away today. Reg "The Horse" Harding. Rest in peace old pal #RIPReg"
Former world number one Colin Lloyd Tweeted: "Sad to hear the news that an old pal Reg 'Horse' Harding has passed away. Rest in Peace pal."
PDC referee Russ Bray added on Twitter: "So sad and sorry to hear of the passing of a wonderful man and dart player, Reg Harding. Had many a great time with 'The Horse' RIP Reg"
All at the Professional Darts Corporation send their condolences to Reg's family at this sad time.