FORMER world No4 Jamie ‘Bravedart’ Harvey has passed away at the age of 70.
The larger-than-life star was one of the founding players of the World Darts Council – which later became the PDC – and reached the semi-finals of the 1995/96 World Championship in one of 13 successive Circus Tavern appearances.
Darts star Jamie Harvey has passed away aged 70Getty
Harvey was also a World Matchplay semi-finalist in 1996 in one of a dozen challenges at the Winter Gardens, while he also played in the World Grand Prix, UK Open and Las Vegas Desert Classic during his career.
James Harvey, Jamie’s son, announced that he “passed away peacefully at home surrounded by all his loved ones”.
Former player and TV pundit Alan Warriner-Little said: “Sad day. RIP Jamie Harvey.
“Myself Eric (Bristow) and Mace (Chris Mason) spent a lot of time together back in the day, usually in the bars around the world it has to be said. Will miss you pal.”
Harvey’s only PDC-ranked title came at the 2000 Antwerp Open, where he defeated Roland Scholten in the final.
He was on the receiving end of a nine-darter from Phil Taylor at the 2008 UK Open in what proved to be his final televised darts match before retiring the following year.
Harvey had initially broken through at the 1983 World Masters event, and played in the BDO World Championship twice before the WDC’s breakaway in 1993.
He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2010, had a ten-hour op to save his life, then underwent chemo and radiotherapy.
He also had his voicebox removed and had a permanent laryngectomy stoma fitted to enable him to speak.
In all, he lost four stone during the extensive treatment.
But he lived up to the Bravedart nickname by being determined to continue with the arrows for his Ayrshire county team to show cancer sufferers that life can go on.
Harvey famously fell down a hole on the stage in one of the funniest moments in darts history – but he denied it ever happened!
He said: “It was a World Pairs match, Keith Deller and I v Bob Anderson and Phil Taylor.
“I didn’t fall off the stage. Sky Sports had a flowerpot in front of a hole on the stage.
“During a TV break we stayed on stage to practise but didn’t see Sky remove the flowerpot. I stepped back and fell down the hole.
“Bob said I’d fallen down on purpose to win as it put him and Phil off — they were p****** themselves!”
John Kirkby – The Sun GlasgowHarvey was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2010[/caption]
GettyHe was on the receiving end of a Phil Taylor nine-darter in 2008[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
