Darts player withdraws from World Championship match minutes before start as PDC issue statement

The PDC have confirmed the cancellation of one of the World Championship first round matches on Friday after a player withdrew.

Sandro Eric Sosing, of the Philippines, was due to take on Ian White in round one at the Alexandra Palace on Friday afternoon, in the third match of the schedule.

But the PDC have confirmed that the 41-year-old, nicknamed 'The Bodyguard', has been forced to pull out just minutes before the walk-ons were due to commence.

Sosing reported chest pains during practice, with White being given a bye through to the second round.

The statement reads: "Sandro Eric Sosing has withdrawn from his match with Ian White on medical grounds.

"Sosing reported chest pains whilst practicing and, following an on-site assessment by medical staff, he has been taken for further treatment."

Image: Twitter/@OfficialPDC

The match was due to take place at around 3:15pm, with the PDC instead moving forward the second round clash between Kai Gotthardt and defending Masters champion Stephen Bunting.

At the beginning of that game, Sky Sports Darts commentator Stuart Pyke gave an update on Sosing's condition.

He said: "Before we start, all the best to Sandro Eric Sosing. He was feeling unwell and with chest pains in the practice rooms. He's gone to hospital and we send our best wishes to him."

Sosing had qualified for the event through the PDC Asian Championship, and was due to be one of two Filipino competitors at Alexandra Palace. Fan favourite Lourence Ilagan was the other, but he lost 3-0 to Luke Woodhouse in the opening round.

Sosing also reached Ally Pally last year, losing 3-0 to Lee Evans in round one.

Meanwhile, White, a 13-time PDC ranking event winner, will face Richie Edhouse in round two.

The bye has effectively secured the 54-year-old's place in the top 64 for another year, although it was highly improbable that 'Diamond' would have dropped out even with a first round defeat.

Topics: Darts