Barry Hearn sets record straight after PDC darts star Vincent van der Voort's ‘ashtray’ jibe

Barry Hearn has responded to the scathing criticism from PDC darts player Vincent van der Voort, who branded the former chairman an "ashtray" and a "terrible person"

Barry Hearn has shown a touch of class with his response to PDC star Vincent van der Voort after being labelled an "ashtray" and a "terrible person".

Hearn oversaw a resurgence in darts' popularity, but it appears not every player has fond memories of working with the former PDC chairman. Van der Voort, 48, who joined the PDC in 2007, recently took a swipe at his ex-boss, with the promoter issuing a response to the 'Dutch Destroyer' on The Barry Hearn Show.

As he nears the end of his darts career, Van der Voort isn't planning to go quietly. When quizzed about whether he'd want to speak to Hearn after his farewell match, Van der Voort was brutally honest about the 76-year-old.

"I consider that chance very small," Van der Voort said on the Darts Draait Door podcast. "He's a great businessman. He has really been an icon for the sport of darts, what he has put down... In terms of business, we couldn't have wished for a better one. But as a person, a bigger ashtray does not exist. On a personal level he is a terrible person, I think. In terms of business, we couldn't have wished for a better one."

Hearn took over as PDC chairman in 2001 and held the position for two decades before handing the reins to his son, Eddie. Van der Voort's jibes may have been unexpected, but Hearn Snr brushed off any hint of animosity and extended his best wishes to the Dutchman as he prepares for retirement.

"I can honestly say I have no bloody idea why he's said this," he revealed on The Barry Hearn Show, set to be released on Thursday morning. "I don't think I've spoken to Vincent for at least two or three years anyway. I appreciate he's coming to the end of his career, and I wish him [the best], God bless, in anything he does.

"I think he earned over a million pounds on the tour during his time. So he's been very gracious about saying I was quite good at my job, which I think I would have to agree with. But we all have bad days. Vincent, enjoy your retirement and I shall fondly remember you as well. And I look forward to meeting you again quite soon."

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Former UK Open runner-up Van der Voort has had a challenging time recently but is gearing up for a final hurrah at the World Championship in December, where he's twice made it to the quarter-finals.

"To say goodbye in a dignified way would be nice," Van der Voort admitted. "Of course, it's not for everyone. I also know what it is like to go to the World Championship and then you wake up in the morning already a little tense during the drive to Alexandra Palace.

"The feeling in the hall, throwing in. That would be nice to experience again."