Sports fans throughout Wales have been stunned by world darts star Jamie Lewis taking a break from the sport for personal reasons at the age of 28.

The Cardigan darter, now living in Carmarthen with wife Kayleigh and child has admitted that he has been getting himself into “terrible habits” that are affecting his health.

Lewis, who was World Youth Champion in 2009, joined the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) in 2012 and hit the headlines in the 2017 William Hill World Championship at Alexander Palace.

There were euphoric scenes in Wales when the former Cardigan Secondary School pupil stormed into the semi-final with a 5-0 whitewash of Darren Webster before losing against darts legend Phil Taylor.

Over the past year or so Lewis dropped down the world rankings and when announcing he was hanging up his darts was out of the top 60.

The hugely popular, amicable Lewis, whose father Mark Lewis was a Welsh International, said “I think it’s time for me to step away from the sport I love and focus on myself.”

Explaining his decision he said: “I’m getting myself into terrible habits and doing my health no favours.”

He added that he wished to thank everyone who has supported him through the years.

Former British Darts Organisation (BDO) three-time world champion Martin ‘Wolfie’ Adams said “Jamie has been a superb player and it is sad that he is giving up the sport. I wish him well for the future.”

Phil Taylor, who retired in 2018, said: “It is disappointing news and I wish Jamie the very best of luck.”