THE PDC would like to send their condolences to the family of Ian Whillis, who passed away on Tuesday.
Ian competed from 2003 to 2007 on the PDC circuit, and spent a period inside the top 100.
He qualified for the UK Open from 2004-2006 and also won a place in the 2005 World Matchplay, where he played Dennis Smith in round one.
Ian reached the last 64 of the 2004 UK Open, defeating Wes Newton before losing to Peter Evison.
He also reached the last 64 in 2005 with wins opver Gareth Pass, Jamie Robinson, losing to Alan Reynolds, and reached the same stage for a third successive year in 2006 before Wayne Mardle took an 8-4 victory.
Ian was also a long-standing Northumberland County player and more recently had been battling illness.
PDC Tournament Director Tommy Cox paid the following tribute to Ian: I am greatly saddened by the passing of my good friend Ian Whillis.
After spending many a pleasant hour and day in his company I can honestly say that I never once heard him say a bad word about anyone and he was never less than cheerful and positive.
This was even more remarkable in recent years when he was quite obviously suffering greatly but still looked forward rather than back.
Despite his illness he attended my brother Eddy's funeral and said that nothing would have kept him away and I believe this epitomised the man.
He was generous to a fault and as sincere as anyone I have ever met.
I last saw Ian at the recent Barnsley Players Championship which he attended with his son despite being in obvious discomfort. As he left that day I wondered when I would next see him because he was obviously struggling.
It has turned out to be my last meeting and I will take with me the memory of his smile as he left the venue that day.
They say that it's always the good ones who go first and in my view this proves it.
My thoughts are with Ian's family at this sad time.
Rest peacefully my friend.
Tommy Cox