Freddie Williams Passes Away

Freddie Williams (Lawrence Lustig, PDC)

THE Professional Darts Corporation is saddened to learn of the passing of former referee and Hall of Fame member Freddie Williams on Saturday.

Freddie spent 35 years officiating at the sport's top level, initially with the National Darts Organisation of Great Britain and then the BDO, and was involved with the PDC from its formation through to his retirement.

Freddie - who called the first ever televised nine-dart finish by John Lowe in 1984 - was inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame upon his retirement in 2006.

Freddie, 81, is survived by wife Pat, who previously worked as the PDC's statistician.

PDC Chairman Barry Hearn said: "Freddie made an invaluable contribution to both the sport of darts and the PDC and was a popular and respected figure in the sport.

"He remained a keen follower of the sport after his retirement and has been a welcome visitor to PDC events ever since with his wife Pat. We send out condolences to Pat and Freddie's wider family at this time."

Freddie Williams (PDC)

Tributes on Twitter

The BDO

Kevin Painter

Paul Nicholson

PDC Referee Paul Hinks

PDC Referee Russ Bray

Video of Freddie refereeing John Lowe's nine-dart finish

Keith Deller

Andy Hamilton

Former PDC Tournament Director Tommy Cox