Wednesday marks a year to the day since the tragic passing of Kyle Anderson, with the world of darts remembering the Australian star on the first anniversary of his death.
Anderson, who passed away at home in Australia last August, was an incredibly popular figure on the circuit, making huge sacrifices to chase his dreams and provide for his family.
The 33-year-old initially came through the DartPlayers Australia system to win the 2012 Oceanic Masters, and he made his World Championship debut later that year.
Anderson continued to thrive on the big stage, and a year later landed a famous nine-darter at the Alexandra Palace, achieving perfection in his first round clash against Ian White.
The Perth-born star continued his darting journey by claiming a PDC Tour Card in 2014, and he made steady progress on the ProTour before enjoying his major breakthrough in 2017.
Anderson clinched his first PDC ranking title with a Players Championship victory in August 2017, and just weeks later, he celebrated his first televised success at the Auckland Darts Masters.
He continued his rise by landing his second televised nine-dart finish against Michael van Gerwen in the semi-finals of the 2017 European Championship - a run which was also his best performance in a TV ranking event.
Anderson returned to Australia at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, before choosing to relinquish his PDC Tour Card in January 2021.
A year ago today, the late Kyle Anderson passed away.
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) August 24, 2022
You will forever be missed, Kyle ?️ pic.twitter.com/gCMOBqcmoA
"Kyle's achievements in his short-lived career were outstanding, notably his Auckland Darts Masters win - a fitting reward for the sacrifices he made to follow his dream,” reflected PDC president Barry Hearn.
"He was a popular player on the tour and his talent and dedication made him an inspiration to other players around the world."
Anderson also featured in seven World Championships, while representing Australia four times in the PDC World Cup of Darts alongside Simon Whitlock, reaching the 2018 semi-finals.
Whitlock and Damon Heta - one of Anderson’s closest friends after they grew up together in Perth - guided Australia to a maiden World Cup success in June, and the pair dedicated the win to their late compatriot on an emotional night in Frankfurt.
Anderson has also been remembered throughout this month’s World Series of Darts treble-header, with the creation of the Kyle Anderson Memorial Trophy.
The specially commissioned boomerang-shaped trophy recognises Anderson’s Aboriginal heritage and also features his own palm print.
The trophy will be presented to the Oceanic player judged to have produced the best performance across this month’s three World Series events.
The World Series roadshow Down Under concludes this weekend, and it promises to be a poignant occasion in New Zealand, the scene of Anderson’s only televised triumph.
Relive Kyle Anderson's World Championship nine-darter
Relive Kyle Anderson's European Championship nine-darter
Kyle Anderson Photo Gallery
