Dave Clark has opened up about the reasons why he's stepping down from his role as the presenter of Sky Sports Darts.
The legendary broadcaster, who originally worked on the radio covering the Olympics and football's World Cup before joining the original Sky Sports News team, has fronted the channel's darts coverage for almost two decades since succeeding Jeff Stelling in 2002.
His role has seen Clark oversee some of the sport's most memorable moments, including classic World Championship finals and Phil Taylor's two nine-darters in one game at the 2010 Premier League Play-Offs.
There was also an iconic moment during the 2017 World Championship when Jerry Hendriks admitted he felt like a fish on stage against Peter Wright, prompting Clark into uncontrollable hysterics in the studio!
Wishing @DaveClarkTV all the very best, he'll be sorely missed by every darts fan. Here's one moment he'll never forget in the @SkySportsDarts chair he made his own...pic.twitter.com/7jRYB3gsa6
— Chris Hammer (@ChrisHammer180) July 12, 2020
Clark was also inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame in 2018 to recognise his contribution to the sport.
The Yorkshireman was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2011, and since revealing the news two years later has raised over £500,000 for Parkinson's UK and adopted a role as one of their celebrity supporters.
It’s been an AMAZING journey, but now it’s time to bow out of @SkySportsDarts
— Dave Clark (@DaveClarkTV) July 12, 2020
22 years on Sky, nearly 10 years with #Parkinsons
Brilliant memories, brilliant people.
Just stopping doing the live darts .. NOT giving up on life. 100% my decision x pic.twitter.com/kJFEYNp4B2
Announcing the news on Sunday evening, Clark said: "When I was diagnosed with Parkinson's a 'specialist' said I'd only be able to present live sport for two or three more years.
"Nearly a decade after that diagnosis, I can still present live television, on stage, in front of 10,000 people. I've decided I want to stop now, still in control, still able to do the job, still able to enjoy it.
"The last thing I want is for someone to throw in the towel for me or for darts fans to feel uncomfortable or sorry for me as my Parkinson's progresses.
"Lockdown has given us all a lot of time to think, on occasions too much time, but it's given me time to sort out my priorities. Family comes first.
"I'm keen to spend more days with my wife and two sons. Time is a real luxury that so many have been denied during this difficult period.
"I'm NOT giving up on life, just stopping doing the darts. I intend to keep busy, writing a book about my time presenting during some of the sport's greatest years.
"I'm hoping to stay involved in broadcasting in some capacity and will continue to raise awareness of Parkinson's and fundraising to find a cure through my chosen charity Parkinson's UK."
- Follow Dave Clark on Twitter through @DaveClarkTV.
- Learn more about Parkinson's UK through www.parkinsons.org.uk.
- Find out more about Sky Sports' coverage through www.skysports.com/darts or on Twitter @SkySportsDarts.
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