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It's been confirmed iconic darts overseer Russ Bray will referee his final World Darts Championship at the end of this year.
'The Voice' has become synonymous with the biggest moments in elite darts since joining the PDC in 1996. However, the 66-year-old has confirmed plans to 'wind down' his career at the oche after more than half a century in the spotlight.
“I've had a magnificent career so far, and this game has given me so many opportunities and memories,” Bray told the official PDC website. “When you're part of the game, you’re going with the flow, with the rollercoaster, but when you look at the development of the sport since I joined the PDC in 1996, the difference is incredible."
Bray has been at the centre of the action for some of the biggest moment's in the sport's history, and this year's World Darts Championship will be his 28th and final appearance at Ally Pally. The iconic caller will leave a void on stage, with big shoes to fill in future editions of the tournament.
“It’s a global game now," he continued. "When you're refereeing on the PDC Asian Tour in Mongolia, and on the World Series [stage] in Australia, you do have to pinch yourself sometimes.
“I'm an old age pensioner now. We have some cracking youngsters [referees] coming through, so for me personally, I think it's the right time.”
As for which matches stand out most to Bray, the Essex native highlighted Phil Taylor's 2007 World Championship final loss to Raymond van Barneveld as the best of the bunch. 'The Power' fell to 'Barney' in a 7-6 defeat despite storming out of the blocks, which is just one moment Bray was proud to oversee.
“I was fortunate enough to call that final and that was absolutely immense," commented the great. "John Part beating Phil in 2003 was another amazing achievement, and another milestone."
More to follow.
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