BARRY HEARN has responded to darts star Vincent van der Voort labelling him a “terrible person”.
Hearn, 76, was chairman of the PDC for two decades until 2021 when son Eddie took over at the darts organisation.
Barry Hearn has responded to ruthless comments from Vincent van der VoortGetty
Vincent van der Voort separated Hearn’s business success from his personalityGetty
The Dagenham-born businessman made the PDC the dominant force in darts, assuming control from the BDO.
Dutchman Van der Voort, 48, moved from the BDO to the PDC in 2007 and is now preparing to retire from the sport.
While he praised Hearn for his contribution to darts, he was scathing in his assessment of the ex-PDC boss as a person.
He said: “I consider that chance very small. He’s a great businessman. Really been an icon for the sport of darts, what he has put down.
“But as a person: there is no greater ashtray. On a personal level, I think he is a terrible person.
“In terms of business we could not have wished for a better one.”
Now Hearn has replied to Van der Voort by insisting he is baffled by the comments, but offered an olive branch by admitting “we all have bad days”.
He said: “I can honestly say I have no bloody idea why he’s said this.
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“I don’t think I’ve spoken to Vincent for at least two or three years anyway. I appreciate he’s coming to the end of his career, and I wish him [the best], God bless, in anything he does.
“I think he earned over a million pounds on the tour during his time. So he’s been very gracious about saying I was quite good at my job, which I think I would have to agree with. But we all have bad days.
“Vincent, enjoy your retirement and I shall fondly remember you as well. And I look forward to meeting you again quite soon.”
Van der Voort has featured 17 times at the world championships during his lengthy career, making the quarter-finals in 2011 and 2015.
And hopes to qualify this year despite taking time away from the tour.
He said: “To say goodbye in a dignified way would be nice.
“Of course, it’s not for everyone. I also know what it is like to go to the world championship and then you wake up in the morning already a little tense during the drive to Alexandra Palace.
“The feeling in the hall, throwing in. That would be nice to experience again.”