'The Voice of Darts' Russ Bray inducted into PDC Hall of Fame

The World Darts Championship final was also marked by the farewell of referee Russ Bray. The 66-year-old Englishman is calling it quits after 28 World Championship appearances.

Bray was inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame for his achievements in darts. "This is an unbelievably proud moment for me," said Bray in conversation with the PDC following the announcement. It is not often that I get lost for words, but this is an amazing honour for me. I would like to say a huge thanks to everyone involved at the PDC who I've worked with over the last 27 years for making the game what it is today."

Probably the most easily recignisable caller in the history of the sport, Bray has celled the world title wins of superstars such as Phil Taylor, Raymond van Barneveld, Peter Wright, Adrian Lewis, Gary Anderson and now Luke Humphries. Yet his latest stands out. "It's probably the biggest World Championship final we've ever had, certainly in terms of the media coverage," he explains.

Bray joins PDC President Barry Hearn OBE, PDC founders Dick Allix and Tommy Cox and former stars Phil Taylor, Eric Bristow MBE, John Lowe MBE, Dennis Priestley, Rod Harrington and John Part in the PDC Hall of Fame. "I'm so excited about my new role as PDC ambassador," said Bray, who remains a referee on the World Series of Darts circuit.

"I will still be doing the PDC Asian Tour and I'll be involved on the World Series of Darts circuit, so I'll still be involved in the game. I'm so excited about the talent we have globally, and who knows - we may be able to find another Luke Humphries or Luke Littler! It's been an incredible journey so far, and now I'm looking forward to the next part of my career."