DARTS star Momo Zhou has died suddenly aged 31.
The sport star made history by becoming the first woman to represent China in a televised PDC event at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt.
Her player sponsors Target announced the tragic news on Thursday via Twitter.
They wrote: “We are sad to announce the passing of Momo Zhou (31) a loved member of the #TeamTarget family based in China.
“We would like to thank you all for her support over the years and our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.”
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A statement from the Professional Darts Corporation then read: “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.”
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter added: “We send our condolences to Momo's friends and family at this difficult time.
“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.”
A host of other tributes were made on social media as the sad news continued to spread.
Paul Nicholson, who won the 2010 Players Championship Finals, tweeted: “The news about Zhou Momo is utterly unbelievable. So damn tragic, and at the age of 31.”
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Lorraine Winstanly wrote: “Such sad news. My thoughts are with your loved ones. RIP.”
While Deta Hedman commented: “So very sad that this young lady has passed away at just 31 years old, was great watching her play PDC world cup. R.I.P Moo Chou aka Zhou Momo.”
