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Voice of Darts Waddell dies

London - Legendary British darts commentator Sid Waddell has died aged 72 after a long battle with bowel cancer.

Waddell had been fighting the disease since last September and the news of his death was confirmed by his manager Dick Allix on Sunday.

"With great sadness, we announce that following a long illness, broadcaster and author Sid Waddell died peacefully with all his family around him late last night, Saturday August 11th, 2012," a statement read.

Waddell was known for his colourful and excitable broadcasting style, with his best-known lines including "There's only one word for it - 'magic darts'".

He once said, while watching Eric Bristow become world champion: "When Alexander of Macedonia was 33, he cried salt tears because there were no more worlds to conquer... Bristow's only 27."

Waddell also had 11 books published and wrote the sport-based BBC children's programmes Jossy's Giants and Sloggers, receiving a nomination for best scriptwriter from the Writer's Guild of Great Britain for the latter.

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