Wayne Mardle will miss Thursday's Whyte & Mackay Premier League clash against Jelle Klaasen in Exeter through illness.
'Hawaii 501' ruled out of Week 10 match-up due to illness
Wayne Mardle will miss Thursday's Whyte & Mackay Premier League Darts clash against Jelle Klaasen in Exeter through illness.
Mardle was set for a basement battle with Dutch star Klaasen in front of a 4,000 sell-out crowd at the Westpoint Arena, with the duo having only won one match each so far this season.
However, the 35-year-old confirmed that he has contracted mumps and as a result former world champion John Part will play two matches on Thursday evening.
Mardle told
skysports.com: "I've been to the doctors and it's mumps. I had hoped before that it was just a virus. It's obviously a big disappointment but I'm keeping my spirits up."
The illness also rules Mardle out of the two PDC Pro Tour events in Taunton this coming weekend.
Part, nicknamed 'Darth Maple', is now in store for a busy night and will play Mervyn King in the opening game of the evening before finishing off the night's entertainment against Klaasen.
Mardle is hopeful of returning for Week 11's clash in Nottingham, where he will face Terry Jenkins as well as his rescheduled clash with Klaasen.
