The UK Open’s famously sprawling field has contracted ever so slightly following the announcement that two competitors will no longer be taking part in this year’s event. Earlier this afternoon, the PDC’s official website confirmed that both Viktor Tingstom and Danny van Trijp have withdrawn from the tournament, citing personal reasons for their absence.
With the draw for the opening rounds already finalised and publicly confirmed, tournament organisers have opted not to introduce any late replacements. As a consequence, their originally scheduled opponents will now receive automatic progression within the bracket. Dutchman, van Trijp had been pencilled in to face Scott Campbell in the opening round.
However, circumstances have produced a curious twist, with the Scot now skip ahead and face another representative from the Netherlands in Dennie Olde KalterTingstom’s withdrawal carries slightly broader implications within the draw. The Swedish player had been due to enter at the second stage, awaiting the victor of the opening round contest between Lewis Pearse and Niall Culleton.
In light of his absence, whoever prevails in that encounter will now bypass that point, instead advancing directly to round three and moving to within a single victory of potentially facing one of the tournament’s heavyweight contenders.
Naturally, it is disappointing news for both players, who will undoubtedly have arrived at this decision only after considerable reflection. Participation in an event as prestigious and unpredictable as the UK Open is rarely something any professional relinquishes lightly.
Everyone at Darts World extends their very best wishes to both Viktor and Danny, hoping for a swift resolution to their circumstances and a prompt return to the professional circuit.
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Images: PDC
