Barry Hearn breaks silence on darts star Vincent van der Voort branding him an 'ashtray'

Barry Hearn has responded to the bizarre "ashtray" jibe made by darts player Vincent van der Voort. The former PDC chairman was largely responsible for the sport's modern boom in popularity, but Hearn still has his critics on the oche.

Van der Voort, 48, switched from the BDO to join Hearn and the in 2007, but has taken a swipe at his former boss. Entering the twilight of his career, Van der Voort branded the 76-year-old an "ashtray" and "a terrible person", forcing his former boss to react on .

Asked about Hearn possibly bidding him farewell in his last match, Van der Voort told the : "I consider that chance very small. He's a great businessman. He has really been an icon for the sport of darts, what he has put down... In terms of business, we couldn't have wished for a better one. But as a person, a bigger ashtray does not exist. On a personal level he is a terrible person, I think. In terms of business, we couldn't have wished for a better one."

Taking over as PDC chairman in 2001, Hearn held the role for 20 years before passing over the reins to his son Eddie. While many players will be grateful for Hearn Snr's impact on the sport, the promoter was left baffled by Van der Voort's comments.

"I can honestly say I have no bloody idea why he's said this," he said on , which will be released on Thursday morning. "I don't think I've spoken to Vincent for at least two or three years anyway. I appreciate he's coming to the end of his career, and I wish him [the best], God bless, in anything he does.

"I think he earned over a million pounds on the tour during his time. So he's been very gracious about saying I was quite good at my job, which I think I would have to agree with.

"But we all have bad days. Vincent, enjoy your retirement and I shall fondly remember you as well. And I look forward to meeting you again quite soon."

A former UK Open runner-up who twice reached the quarter-finals, the 'Dutch Destroyer' is coming to the end of his career. However, Van der Voort plans to go out with a bang at the upcoming World Championship in December.

"To say goodbye in a dignified way would be nice," he said. "Of course, it's not for everyone. I also know what it is like to go to the World Championship and then you wake up in the morning already a little tense during the drive to Alexandra Palace.

"The feeling in the hall, throwing in. That would be nice to experience again."