Darts sensation Gerwyn Price had to pull out from the Flanders Darts Trophy this weekend due to a hand infection. The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) confirmed the news on social media, stating that no replacement would be added as the tournament was already underway when Price withdrew.
As a result, the scheduled match between Ryan Joyce and Ricardo Pietreczko, who were set to face Price in the second round, was canceled, and both players were advanced to the third round. Joyce secured a spot in the third round after a narrow 6-5 victory over his German opponent.
Earlier, Price had posted a picture of his swollen hand on social media, revealing that he had to rush to the hospital. He informed his fans on Friday that he wasn’t ready for the weekend event in Antwerp.
Several other notable players like Luke Humphries, Nathan Aspinall, and Gary Anderson also opted out of the tournament. Despite facing dental issues, Luke Littler remained in the draw and expressed hope for his performance despite the unexpected dental procedure.
As one of the top 16 seeds, Littler received a bye to the second round. The absence of Price, a seeded player, meant that his planned opponent Joyce automatically progressed to the round of 16.
Littler’s upcoming match is against Dylan Slevin, while the evening session features a match-up between Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen. Slevin earned his spot against the world champion by defeating local hopeful Francois Schweyen in the first round.
Although Schweyen was eliminated, Belgian hopes are still alive in the competition. Kim Huybrechts will face James Wade after defeating Lukas Wenig in the first round. Additionally, Mario Vandenbogaerde overcame former world champion Michael Smith, and Mike De Decker secured a 6-3 victory over Martin Lukeman.
The tournament in Antwerp showcases legendary players, setting the stage for an exciting clash between Europe and the USA in New York. This special edition pays tribute to these darts legends, echoing the sentiments of Tom Watson on the enduring legacy of sporting events like the Ryder Cup.
For enthusiasts looking to delve into the world of darts legends, a special edition is available for purchase at £3.50.
