Jocky Wilson

John Thoms Wilson, better known as "Jocky" Wilson, is a darts champion.

Born (1951)in Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland, "Jocky" Wilson was twice World professional Darts Champion in the 1980s. A contemporary and rival of Eric Bristow and John Lowe, Wilson won many titles in his career including the British Professional Championship a record four times between 1981 and 1988, as well as the prestigious British Open and Matchplay titles.

But his greatest achievements came in the World Championships, first in 1982 where he beat Lowe 5-3 in the final, and then seven years later, when he beat his other great rival Eric Bristow (who was by this time well past his best) 6-4 in a classic match. This was to be the Scot's last taste of success in a major event although the odd final appearance still came over the next few years.

Wilson joined the other top professionals who split away from the ruling British Darts Organisation in 1993 to form the WDC (now Professional Darts Council) and remained a competitor in televised events until the mid 1990s when he withdrew from the professional scene.

He was sometimes controversial, occasionally outspoken, but always extremely popular with darts fans who loved his honest approach and natural talent.