Nicky Virachkul

Nicky Virachkul (June 3, 1948 – April 17, 1999) was a professional darts player who competed in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. He competed in the third WDF World Cup darts tournament in 1979 and won the singles title. Born in Thailand, he studied in the United States and became a naturalized citizen. He represented the United States internationally in dart tournaments.

Virachkul competed at the first Embassy World Darts Championship in 1978, losing narrowly by 7-8 in the semi-final to eventual champion, Leighton Rees. He won third place in a play-off by defeating Stefan Lord.

Virachakul reached the quarter-finals on three other occasions: in 1981 (losing to Eric Bristow), 1982 (losing to Bobby George) and 1984 (losing to Dave Whitcombe). Despite his respectable record, it was nevertheless a surprise when he defeated the defending World Champion, Keith Deller, in the first round of the 1984 World Championship. Deller had his revenge in the first round the following year. The 1985 championship was Virachkul's last appearance in the final stages. Despite competing in the first eight World Championships, he never again qualified after the tournament moved to the Lakeside Country Club in 1986.

Virachkul won the 1982 North American Open and reached the semi-finals of the Winmau World Masters in 1980. He also won the 1978 Windy City Open and 1983 Dallas Open, and was inducted into the National Darts Hall of Fame in 1996 .

Suffering from cancer, Virachkul returned home to Thailand, where he died in 1999 at the age of 50.

External links

• Details of death
• Nicky Virachkul's profile and stats on Darts Database