Darts: Richie Burnett withdrawn from World Championships for personal reasons
Tuesday 2 December 2014 19:55, UK
Richie Burnett has been withdrawn from the upcoming World Championship at Alexandra Palace for "personal reasons".
Burnett's absence was announced by the Professional Darts Corporation, with no elaboration on the Welshman's reasons.
A PDC statement read: "The PDC can confirm that Richie Burnett has been removed from the field for the 2014/15 William Hill World Darts Championship for personal reasons."
Burnett, 47, won the BDO world title in 1995 and moved into the PDC ranks in 1999. He reached the PDC World Championship finals in 2002 and 2003 but has not been as far in the tournament since then and lost in the third round last year.
The World Championship draw has Dutchman Michael van Gerwen beginning his title defence against Bradford's Joe Cullen while Phil Taylor faces Jyhan Artut.
"Joe's a talented player and he will be tough to beat, so I know it's a hard test for me. I like playing against him because he's a quick player like myself," van Gerwen told pdc.tv.
Taylor added: "Jyhan's had some good results this year so I know it's going to be a tough match. I've got a couple of weeks to get ready for the tournament now and I'm really looking forward to it".
The World Darts Championship is live on Sky Sports Darts from December 18.
