Tributes have been paid to experienced American player Dave Kelly, who passed away on Monday June 1 following a battle with illness.
A World Masters semi-finalist in 1991, Kelly competed in the first PDC World Championship in 1994 and three times in the World Matchplay from 1994-1996.
He also continued to compete on the North American circuit, and also played in the PDC's 2007 US Open and 2008 North American Championship, as well as at the Las Vegas Desert Classic Qualifiers.
Three-time World Champion John Part has led the tributes, saying: "Dave was a man whose talent and charisma made you believe anything was possible.
"His very presence at darts events gave the game that little bit extra that told you here is a sport, the sort of activity the best of the best can pursue with dignity.
"A fierce competitor whose passion doing so was only equalled by his magnanimity and leadership off the board, Dave was a beacon who easily drew people to himself and the game, and became the iconic American leader who rallied his compatriots to accept nothing less than equality in the world of darts, both by example and spirit. The ultimate teammate is gone."
Writing on Twitter, fellow three-time World Champion John Lowe said: "Sorry to hear Dave Kelly passed away this morning, I have known Dave for many years, he always kept in touch, a great dart player and representative of America."
1994 World Matchplay champion Larry Butler described Kelly as "one of my favorite people", and former Sky Sports commentator John Gwynne hailed him as "a most likeable man".
The PDC sends its condolences to the family and friends of Dave Kelly at this difficult time.
Dave Kelly image courtesy Bulls-Eye News.