Gary Anderson an absentee as European Tour 1&2 seeds announced

The top 16 in the Pro Tour Order of Merit are handed the opportunity to enter tournaments in the second round. But Gary Anderson will not appear at either the European Darts Open or the German Darts Grand Prix. It is understood that the Scot turned down the opportunity to take part. That comes after rumours that he would be involved more in the European Tour in 2018. Persistent back issues and a busy schedule may have forced Anderson's hand.
Michael van Gerwen, the European Championship holder, is the top seed. He appears at both events, taking place in Leverkusen and Munich. Rob Cross, who finished runner-up, is the fourth seed. 2017 Pro Tour Player of the Year Peter Wright is seeded second. Michael Smith's fine form means he is the third seed. Daryl Gurney comes in as the fifth seed. Joe Cullen is seed seven, thanks to fine form on the floor. Alan Norris will enter as a seed, and avoids having to qualify, thanks to Anderson's absence.

1 Michael van Gerwen
2 Peter Wright
3 Michael Smith
4 Rob Cross
5 Daryl Gurney
6 Mensur Suljovic
7 Joe Cullen
8 Simon Whitlock
9 Dave Chisnall
10 Kim Huybrechts
11 Mervyn King
12 Ian White
13 Gerwyn Price
14 Jelle Klaasen
15 Kyle Anderson
16 Alan Norris

1 Michael van Gerwen
2 Peter Wright
3 Michael Smith
4 Rob Cross
5 Daryl Gurney
6 Mensur Suljovic
7 Joe Cullen
8 Simon Whitlock
9 Dave Chisnall
10 Kim Huybrechts
11 Mervyn King
12 Ian White
13 Gerwyn Price
14 Jelle Klaasen
15 Kyle Anderson
16 Alan Norris