'Voice of darts' makes surprise announcement weeks before World Championship
Russ Bray has confirmed he will call time on his refereeing career after the upcoming PDC World Championships.
Viewed by many as a darts legend, Bray made the announcement on social media just weeks before one of the biggest tournaments in the calendar gets underway at Alexandra Palace in London. This is not, however, the end of Bray's involvement as he will take up a new role as a Professional Darts Competition ambassador at the turn of the year.
The PDC also made clear that Bray will continue to referee on the World Series stage. News of his imminent departure was broken in a video uploaded to X, formerly Twitter, on Thursday evening. Within the clip, the 66-year-old suggests the decision was taken at least partly due to his desire to see the next generation emerge.
"30 years in, old age pensioner now," Bray explained. "We've got some cracking youngsters coming through so, for me personally, I think it's now time to turn around and say 'let the youngsters come through'.
"I've had a magnificent career so far, and this game has given me so many opportunities and memories. When you're part of the game, you're going with the flow, with the rollercoaster, but when you look at the development of the sport since I joined the PDC in 1996, the difference is incredible.
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"It's a global game now. When you're refereeing on the PDC Asian Tour in Mongolia, and on the World Series [stage] in Australia, you do have to pinch yourself sometimes."
Bray went on to shed light on the 'most special' moment of his lengthy career, adding: "The most special moment for me was the 2007 World Championship final between Phil [Taylor] and Barney [Raymond van Barneveld], which is still said to be the greatest final ever.
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"I was fortunate enough to call that final and that was absolutely immense. John Part beating Phil in 2003 was another amazing achievement, and another milestone."
His departure will be felt across the sport, with Bray's iconic calls of "180" a fan favourite. He has long been referred to as the 'voice of darts'.
As for the PDC World Darts Championship, this year's edition officially gets underway on December 15. Michael Smith is aiming to defend his crown following last year's triumph.
Bray's announcement marks the second notable departure in the world of darts within the last week following Phil Taylor's retirement on Monday. 'The Power' is now set to embark on a farewell tour across the United Kingdom over the next 12 months before officially calling it quits as the sport's most successful player in its history.
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