Russ Bray
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it remains largely unverified because it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (March 2013) |
Russ Bray | |
|---|---|
 Bray in Exeter, 2016 | |
| Born | Russ Bray 22 June 1957 South Ockendon, Essex, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Other names | The Voice |
| Occupation | Darts referee |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Known for | Refereeing Professional Darts Corporation events |
Russ Bray (born 22 June 1957 in South Ockendon, Essex) is an English darts referee who works for the Professional Darts Corporation. He is also known as The Voice, due to his unique style of calling and his raspy voice.
Darts career[]
According to Bray himself, his calling career began one night when the regular caller failed to show for a county match. Bray was then contracted to call for the PDC in 1996 and was given his debut at the World Matchplay in Blackpool. He was the caller when Phil Taylor hit the PDC's first-ever televised nine-darter in 2002 at the same event. He has called seven more nine-darters live on TV since then including the first televised nine-darter outside of Europe by Mervyn King in Johannesburg, South Africa.[1]
Bray was a county player for Hertfordshire and subsequently played on the pro circuit.[2] He teamed up with Eric Bristow to win the Norway and Finland pairs.
Bray also hit the bullseye on a standard dartboard from 10 feet, outdoors, on Blackpool's North Pier, thus achieving a Guinness World Record in the process.[3] Bray beat the day's previous best of 9' 6" which was achieved by fellow PDC official, Scott Gibling.
Other work[]
 | This section of a biography of a living person needs additional citations for verification. (October 2021) |
Bray has made use of his raspy voice in various other forms of media. He was the referee in the PDC's first ever video game, PDC World Championship Darts and also became the voice of Feasters, a microwave food chain. He has also provided voiceover work for advertising from Coral, Ladbrokes, Cash Converters & McCoy's Crisps. Additionally, he has also provided his voice and his name to Russ Bray Darts, a mobile app.[4] Bray has since made an appearance in boxing as the voice on Sky Sports Fight Night in October[when?].
Personal life[]
Bray currently resides in Soham, Cambridgeshire with his wife, Sue.[5]
He is a lifelong supporter of West Ham United.[6]
References[]
- ^ "Russ Bray". Mastercaller.com. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
- ^ "Premier League Darts: We spoke to Russ Bray, the man behind that growl at the oche". Sky Sports. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
- ^ "Unicorn Darts - News - RUSS BRAY ENTERS RECORD BOOKS". www.unicorn-darts.com. Retrieved 17 September 2017.
- ^ "Russ Bray Darts Scorer Pro": https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tigapps.russbraypro&hl=en&gl=US Google Play
- ^ Mansfield, Daniel (2013-08-12). "Soham darts ace Russ in a spin for charity draw". Ely Standard.
- ^ "The Six Factor - Darts referee Russ Bray on Bobby Moore, the Hammer he played alongside at school and breaking a world record!". West Ham United F.C. 15 May 2020. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
External links[]
- Living people
- 1957 births
- Darts people
- People from South Ockendon