Tributes have been flooding in for Tommy Cox after the co-founder of the Professional Darts Corporation passed away aged 72.
Back in 1993, Cox linked up with Dick Allix and John Markovic alongside 14 stars of the sport to form the World Darts Council (now PDC).
He took on the role of Tournament Director for over 20 years until his retirement in 2015 and helped make the PDC as globally successful as it is today.
He was inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame in 2010 alongside Allix, recognising their contribution in the formation and success of the PDC.
Chairman Barry Hearn said: This is an extremely sad day for us all at the PDC. Tommy's contribution to our formation can never be under-stated and will never be forgotten.
"He was known and respected throughout the sport and I know that he was proud of the worldwide growth of the PDC since he stood shoulder to shoulder with Dick and the players during darts' split.
Just heard about the passing of Tommy Cox. Can’t believe it. Such a nice man who brought the PDC where it is today and whose knowledge made the game better and better. Really sad day for darts. RIP Tommy🙏🏻
— Raymond v Barneveld (@Raybar180) November 14, 2018
"I can honestly say that Tommy was one of the primary reasons why I got involved in darts. He encouraged me to get into the sport and it's something I'll never forget.
"Although he had retired, Tommy was still involved in darts in recent years and will be sadly missed."
Very sorry to hear the sad news this morning of Tommy Cox’s passing. When the split from the BDO happened, Tommy was instrumental in forming the PDC. His belief has given me the opportunity to do what I do today. My thoughts & prayers are with the Cox family. RIP Tommy x
— Adrian Lewis (@jackpot180) November 14, 2018
PDC Director Marcus Robertson, who worked with Tommy for over 30 years, said: "Tommy Cox was, more than any other individual, the founding father of the modern day PDC and the sport of darts.
So sad to that darts legend Tommy Cox has passed away.
— Rob Cross (@RobCross180) November 14, 2018
Tommy was a huge character who helped shaped the sport into the massive success it is today.
Condolences to his family x pic.twitter.com/rZmgn4v86c
"His 100% belief that darts had a better future that could only be provided by the PDC has been proved by the last 25 years as the sport has grown across the globe.
"At heart more than anything else Tommy was a true lover of the sport of darts and darts players. The current and future generations of Players are reaping the rewards that his tenacity and, he would admit, occasional sheer singleness of purpose, have created."
Sad to hear the news of our friend Tommy Cox who passed away. For the darting World to know, when the split happened Tommy had the belief that the WDC which is now the PDC could be something special and backed it with his own money. RIP mate
— Keith Deller (@KDeller138) November 14, 2018
Former world number one Rod Harrington, a PDC Director, said: "We were very close friends and it's a sad day.
"The PDC wouldn't where it is today if it wasn't for Tommy. He was so strong - bombastic in a way - and such a great character and he believed in the cause, which made everyone else stay strong around him, including me.
So very sorry to learn of the death, after illness, of Tommy Cox. His influence on the sport of darts is immense. What the PDC is today is as much down to his commitment and sacrifice as that of any other single person. I am indebted to him, for sure. RIP, my friend. #darts #PDC
— John Gwynne (@OnlyJohnGwynne) November 14, 2018
"He became a very close friend, especially during the split. We've had some good times over the years and we had a lot of respect for each other."
Tommy's late brother Eddie and son Danny also worked for the PDC, and he was a keen follower of Newcastle United, a horse racing enthusiast, lover of music and devoted family man.
Sad news this morning heard of the passing of @TommyCox_PDC thoughts are with his family RIP Tom.
— Phil Taylor (@PhilTaylor) November 14, 2018
RIP @TommyCox_PDC our thoughts go out to all your family. What you did for darts will never be forgotten.
— Gary Anderson (@GaryAnderson180) November 14, 2018
Really sad morning following the passing of Tommy Cox.
— Dave Allen (@DaveAllen1981) November 14, 2018
I learned so much from Tommy and thoroughly enjoyed his company, and I'm lucky enough to do my job as a result of the hard work he, Dick Allix and the players did in forming the PDC.
God Bless Tom
Today we put politics to one side and send our deepest sympathies to everyone at @OfficialPDC on the loss of their former tournament director, Tommy Cox.
— BDO Darts (@BDOdarts) November 14, 2018
Tommy also played an integral role within the BDO on behalf of Northumberland. Our condolences go to his family at this time.
