Momo Zhou: China’s former World Cup of Darts star dies, aged 31 | Darts News

Momo Zhou, who died aged 31, became the second female player to appear at the Darts World Cup, after Anastasia Dobromyslova represented Russia in the 2010 edition.

Momo Zhou died, aged 31 (Photo: PDC)

Former Darts World Cup star Momo Zhou has died, 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.

Joining Xiaochen Zong, Zhou became the second female player to appear 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 the big stage bow, cheekily celebrating a missed arrow from his Swiss opponent during the first round match at the Eissporthalle.

Zhou began his darting journey ten years ago, playing soft tip darts in his hometown of Dandong, and within five years he was representing the country on the sport’s biggest stage.

“We send our condolences to Momo’s friends and family at this difficult time,” PDC chief executive Matt Porter said.

“Momo is a popular figure on the circuit and is making great progress in her career, creating a legacy by becoming the first woman to represent China on the big stage.”

Other tributes have been paid on social media from around the world, with Paul Nicholson, Deta Hedman and Lorraine Winstanley among those paying their respects.