DartsWorld rather comfortably anticipated that the withdrawal list for the upcoming PDC Players Championship double-header would expand – and while it was hardly the most audacious prediction, the number of absentees has indeed crept up from a dozen to fifteen.
As a consequence, three additional Challenge Tour protagonists have been afforded the unexpected luxury of extending their stay in Hildesheim, granting them the opportunity to test their credentials against the sport’s elite operators.
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In a further twist of administrative complexity, two of those initially called up following the first wave of withdrawals have themselves opted not to compete, prompting yet another reshuffle of the field.
To begin with, the roll call of Tour Card holder absentees has been augmented by the withdrawals of Bradley Brooks, Greg Ritchie, and Cameron Menzies.
Add to that Ted Evetts, who chose to remain at home for the birth of his first child, and Jack Aldridge, who performed a U-turn triggering a cascade of opportunities further down the PDC Challenge Tour Order of Merit.
Amid the inevitable jostling and recalibration, Lewis Pride, Jenson Walker, Oliver Mitchell, Callum Goffin, and Danny Trueman have emerged as the latest beneficiaries. For Trueman in particular, currently positioned 31st on the rankings, the call-up represents a rather unforeseen chance to sample Pro Tour action from a relatively modest standing.
Here is the updated list ahead of play in Hildesheim tomorrow. It may well remain unchanged – but, as ever in darts, late alterations are never entirely off the table.
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Tour Card Holders Absent: Nathan Aspinall, Stephen Bunting, Jonny Clayton, Luke Humphries, Luke Littler, Gerwyn Price, Josh Rock, Ryan Searle, Gian van Veen, Carl Sneyd, Oskar Lukasiak, Daryl Gurney, Bradley Brooks, Greg Ritchie, Cameron Menzies.
Non-Tour Card Holders Competing: Joe Hunt, Derek Coulson, Tommy Lishman, Martijn Dragt, Jack Tweddell, Nathan Potter, Tommy Morris, Daniel Klose, Florian Preis, Steve Lennon, Lewis Pride, Jenson Walker, Oliver Mitchell, Callum Goffin, Danny Trueman.
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
