Offbeat news from the world of sport
We have more newsletters
Michael van Gerwen has been forced to withdraw from the World Cup of Darts after failing to recover from surgery in time.
Van Gerwen underwent a pre-planned dental operation on Monday but has not recovered in time to be able to compete in Frankfurt this weekend. MVG was due to partner Danny Noppert in the event, which will see the Dutch go in search of their fifth World Cup of Darts title.
But he will now not be able to, with Dirk van Duijvenbode called up as his replacement. Van Duijvenbode, who has won six Players' Championship events since 2021, will compete in the event for the third time, having also represented the Netherlands in 2021 and 2022.
Currently ranked no.11 in the world, the 30-year-old reached the quarter-finals alongside van Gerwen in 2021, before going one better in 2022 as he made the semi-finals with Noppert.
READ MORE: Darts prodigy Bradley Brooks hits nine-darter – and fans loved Daryl Gurney's reaction
He'll now have the chance to go one better again when the Dutch take on all-comers in a new extended World Cup of Darts format. The tournament will now feature 40 teams and an expanded £450,000 prize fund with group stages and a doubles format across the four days.
"The World Cup of Darts is one of our most popular events and this new format will add extra excitement to an already eagerly-awaited four days," said PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter.
Who do you think will win the World Cup of Darts? Let us know in the comments section below.
"The nations competing in the group stage will now be guaranteed a minimum of two matches, increasing their big-stage experience, and our global growth is also represented by being able to introduce new countries and stage a Latin America Qualifier.
"The move to feature doubles matches throughout the World Cup is another big change to previous years but one we felt was right to introduce alongside the group stage to emphasise the team element of the event.
"This new format is an important development for us in continuing to grow professional darts around the world and we look forward to a wonderful World Cup of Darts in June."
- Michael van Gerwen
- Darts
- Breaking News
- World Cup
Source: Read Full Article
