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Eric BristowEnglish darts player.
Date of Birth: 25.04.1957
Country:  Great Britain |
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Biography of Eric Bristow
Eric Bristow, born on April 25, 1957, in Hackney, England, is an English darts player. His career began in bars, where he played with friends for leisure. It was in one of these bars that he adopted the nickname "Crafty Cockney."
Professional Career
Bristow turned professional in 1976 and quickly started to achieve notable success. From 1976 to 1979, he won several tournaments, including the English Open Championship in 1976, the National Championship in the United States, and the Swedish Open Championship in 1979. He also participated in the Masters series global tournaments in 1977 and 1979.
In 1980, Bristow reached the pinnacle of his career by winning the World Championship. He went on to win the World Championship four more times in 1982, 1984, 1985, and 1986. Additionally, he won the prestigious Winmau World Masters tournament five times and the News of the World Darts Tournament twice in 1982 and 1983.
Unique Technique and Decline
Bristow was known for his distinctive technique, particularly his forward-angled middle finger. Although each darts player has their own individual style, Bristow's technique was considered unique. He was among the best players in the world for a long time, but his career sharply declined in 1997 due to psychological issues.
After his retirement from competitive darts in 2000, Bristow's personal life became tumultuous. He married in 1989 but was later convicted of assaulting his wife, Jane, in 2005. The couple divorced in 2006. Bristow's public image suffered further when he was caught on surveillance cameras during street disturbances in Gateshead, which was broadcasted on television as part of a program on street crime in England.
Current Life and Legacy
Despite his personal challenges, Bristow remains involved in the world of darts. He works as a commentator for darts matches on the "Sky Sports" channel and promotes the sport among young people.
In 2005, Bristow, along with fellow player John Lowe, was inducted into the World Darts Hall of Fame.