Tributes paid after Momo Zhou passes away

Momo Zhou (PDC)

The PDC is saddened to learn that China's former World Cup of Darts star Momo Zhou passed away on Wednesday, aged 31.

Zhou made sporting history in June 2018, becoming the first woman to represent China in a televised PDC event at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt.

Teaming up with Xiaochen Zong, Zhou became the second female player to feature at the World Cup of Darts, after Anastasia Dobromyslova represented Russia in the 2010 edition.

The Chinese trailblazer won the hearts of the darting world on her big stage bow, cheekily celebrating a missed dart from their Swiss opponents during their first round tie at the Eissporthalle.

More recently, she generated headlines with a moment of magic in last year's China Series A League, producing a 'perfect' ten-darter in victory over Jianjun Jia, despite suffering a bounce-out during the leg.

Zhou began her darting journey a decade ago, playing soft-tip darts in her hometown of Dandong, and within five years, she was representing her country on the sport's biggest stage.

"We send our condolences to Momo's friends and family at this difficult time," said PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter.

"Momo was a popular figure on the circuit and made promising progress in her career, creating a legacy by becoming the first woman to represent China on the big stage."

Further tributes have been made on social media from across the darting world, with Paul Nicholson, Deta Hedman and Lorraine Winstanley amongst those paying their respects.