World Championship favourite Michael van Gerwen is out of this year's tournament after testing positive for Covid-19; Chris Dobey will now receive a bye to the last 16, where he will take on either Dave Chisnall or Luke Humphries for a place in the quarter-finals
Wednesday 29 December 2021 12:07, UK
Michael van Gerwen has said he is "really disappointed, confused and angry" after being ruled out of the World Darts Championship having tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of his match with Chris Dobey.
Van Gerwen had been scheduled to play in the last 32 against Dobey on Tuesday evening, but his dreams of landing a fourth world title at this year's showpiece have been curtailed.
The Dutch ace battled past Chas Barstow in his opener on December 18 to set up a showdown against 'Hollywood', who now receives a bye to the last 16.
Dobey will take on the winner of the match between last year's semi-finalist Dave Chisnall and UK Open runner-up Luke Humphries, who play on Wednesday afternoon.
A statement from the PDC read: "Michael Van Gerwen has withdrawn from the William Hill World Darts Championship after testing positive for Covid-19 ahead of his match with Chris Dobey.
"Dobey will receive a bye to the last 16 and Tuesday evening's session will continue with two matches."
Van Gerwen later tweeted: "Really disappointed, confused, angry…..the way how my world championship is ending.
"Never expected this outcome as I thought I did everything in my possibility to avoid it. Also ain't got any symptoms. Closing this year of really quickly. Fans I'll be back stronger!"
Van Gerwen's departure comes just 24 hours after his compatriot Vincent van der Voort was forced to withdraw from the competition, after testing positive for coronavirus ahead of his clash against James Wade.
Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld was the first player at this year's tournament to record a positive test, following his defeat to 2018 champion Rob Cross in the second round.
Spain's Juan Francisco Rodriguez also withdrew prior to the tournament following a positive test.
Tuesday's evening session will continue with two matches, as Cross takes on two-time major winner Daryl Gurney, before world No 2 Peter Wright plays Damon Heta.
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