Darts pundit Paul Nicholson has described the death of Momo Zhou as "utterly unbelievable."
The Chinese female player, who won a BDO tournament in her career, died suddenly on Wednesday, January 25, at the age of 31. Her sponsors, Target Darts, announced the news on Twitter on Thursday.
"We are sad to announce the passing of Momo Zhou (31) a loved member of the #TeamTarget family based in China," they posted. "We would like to thank you all for her support over the years and our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time."
Zhou is best known for her appearance at the World Cup of Darts for China in 2018, becoming only the second female star to participate after Anastasia Dobromyslova represented Russia in 2010. And she was responsible for one of the more comical moments of the event.
With her and partner Xiaochen Zong trailing 3-0 in legs to Switzerland, they were given a reprieve when their opponents missed a chance at double 12. And Zhou proceeded to cheekily celebrate the mixed dart, to the amusement of the commentators. Zong took advantage to reduce the score to 3-1.
Former English pro player Nicholson reacted to the news of Zhou's unexplained death: "The news about Zhou Momo is utterly unbelievable," he tweeted. "So damn tragic, and at the age of 31. "
Another female darts star, Deta Hedman, added: "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."
Darts reporter Pim Huberts wrote: "Momo Zhou, legend. She'll be remembered," and Dutch fan @Wim_NL180 said: "Shocked to hear about the passing of Chinese darts player Momo Zhou, only at the age of 31."
Zhou was the first Chinese woman to play in a PDC event. She later spoke of her ultimate goal, to follow in the footsteps of Fallon Sherock and co and play in the World Championships at the Alexandra Palace.
