[imagesource: Sean Dempsey / PA]

Andy Fordham, the former professional darts player who famously won the 2004 BDO World Championship, has died at the age of 59.

As it turned out, winning that title was a poisoned chalice, with Fordham later saying that it was actually the worst thing that could have happened to him.

It remains his most iconic victory, though, for a number of reasons.

Firstly, he finally claimed a well-deserved title, beating Mervyn King in a thrilling final, after losing four semi-finals over the years.

But it was his reported alcohol consumption prior to that match that remains the stuff of legend.

The Independent reports:

Nicknamed the Viking and instantly recognisable for his huge frame, at one point weighing 31 stone, Fordham confessed that he was drunk during that landmark win.

He was a heavy drinker, a habit born out of running a pub with his wife Jenny, and reportedly drained a bottle of brandy and 24 bottles of beer before taking to the oche for the biggest night of his life.

Many a casual pool player has spoken about the sweet spot (somewhere around four drinks in), but just being able to function after that sort of consumption is a miracle.

In fact, Fordham doesn’t even appear shaky on his feet:

In 2009, Fordham spoke about how the win catapulted him to celebrity status, and his difficulty in coping with his newfound fame:

“I wasn’t used to the limelight. I was so shocked, I’d drink to cover it. You’d get invited here, there and everywhere and everything’s free. Drink is everywhere.

“I just enjoyed drinking. In the end I p***** away everything I earned.”

In the interview below, from the one-minute mark, you can hear Fordham say he remembers nothing from the final.

He also recounts the 2007 World Darts Championship, when he was rushed to hospital just before his first-round match against Australian Simon Whitlock:

In order to try and improve his health, Fordham later took part in the reality TV show Celebrity Fit Club, but his struggles continued.

Last year, he underwent a life-saving bowel operation, and also tested positive for COVID-19 in January.

Fordham was due to make a comeback at next year’s World Seniors Darts Championship, but passed away with his wife at his side early yesterday morning.

[source:independent]