Barry Hearn shows true colours with response to PDC darts player who called him ‘ashtray’

Barry Hearn has issued a classy response after being branded an “ashtray” by PDC darts player Vincent van der Voort.

The former PDC chairman was hugely influential in reviving the popularity of darts, but Hearn was seemingly not liked by every player on the oche. Van der Voort, 48, joined Hearn and the PDC in 2007 and has dug out his former promoter, who has responded to the ‘Dutch Destroyer’ on The Barry Hearn Show.

Van der Voort is approaching the end of his darts career but does not plan to bow out of the sport quietly, recently labelling Hearn an “ashtray” and “a terrible person.” When asked if he would speak to the 76-year-old on the day of his final match, Van der Voort pulled no punches.

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"I consider that chance very small,” Van der Voort told 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 became PDC chairman in 2001 and continued in the role for 20 years before passing it on to his son Eddie. The digs from Van der Voort may have come as a surprise but Hearn Snr played down any sense of rivalry and showed a touch of class by sending well-wishes to the veteran darts player.

“I can honestly say I have no bloody idea why he’s said this,” he said on The Barry Hearn Show, which will 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.”

Former UK Open runner-up Van der Voort has endured tough runs of form in the latter years of his career. However, the 48-year-old has his eyes set on one last memorable run as he prepares for the World Championship in December, having twice reached the quarter-finals.

"To say goodbye in a dignified way would be nice," Van der Voort said. ”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."