'The guiding influence in his life': Darting world in mourning after passing of Robert Thornton's wife

The darts world is in deep mourning following the tragic news that Christine Thornton, wife of former top player Robert Thornton, has passed away. The Scottish darter suddenly withdrew from the Champion of Champions senior tournament on Sunday due to personal circumstances. Shortly after, it became clear that his beloved wife Christine had passed.

The sad news hit and the darting world was in mourning. Adrian Lewis, a two-time world champion with the PDC, was among the first prominent players to offer their condolences. "So sorry to hear this she was such a lovely lady sending our love to Rob and family," Lewis responded under the message from the Seniors account.

57-year-old Robert Thornton spent his entire adult life with Christine calling her the guiding influence who helped shape his life. She stood by him through some of the most difficult periods of his life. For example, she helped him in his battle with alcohol addiction and offered comfort and stability after the death of his mother. When Thornton lost his joy in darts several years ago, it was Christine who helped him get back on his feet and motivated him to pursue a new path on the senior tour and through the Modus Darts online circuit.

“My wife’s my best friend. I love her. She is everything I need in a person. I can talk to her about everything," he said previously as per The Sun.

“I don’t know where I’d be without her. When I go on stage I get texts from the family saying, ‘Dad, you can do it. Just believe’.”

Christine was therefore a familiar face at tournaments. At his side, she was present when Thornton won the World Seniors Darts Championship in 2022 and 2023. Her presence and support were a constant in his career.

The darts community reacted massively to the obituary shared by the World Seniors Darts Tour organization. "So sorry to read this sad news, condolences to Robert and family at this extremely difficult and sad time," one fan wrote under the message. The dejection among supporters and fellow darters was apparent.

Christine Thornton was born in 1962 and was only 62 or 63 years old. Her passing represents an immense loss for Robert, who always praised her for her strength, love and unconditional support.

Robert Thornton had an impressive career within the PDC. He won the UK Open and the World Grand Prix, among others, and reached the finals of the Grand Slam of Darts and the Players Championship Finals. His best result at the World Darts Championship was a spot in the quarter-finals in 2015.

At the Champion of Champions tournament, where Thornton was absent due to sad news, a compatriot remarkably won Sunday night. Ross Montgomery, who was too strong for Raymond van Barneveld in the semifinals, came back from a big deficit to take the title in the final.