The field for the World Grand Prix has been confirmed today, and Phil Taylor will not be taking part.
The Power started speculation earlier this week that he would not be taking part in the only double in start event of the PDC calendar. His absence was confirmed from the Citywest this morning when the official entry list was confirmed via the PDC website. He will still compete in the Champions League of Darts in Cardiff in next weekend though, as he continues to wind down in his retirement year.
Michael van Gerwen will head in as defending champion. The Dutchman and current world number 1 has won both European tour events since his return to the circuit after the birth of his child. He'll be a firm favourite to defend his title, second and third seeds Gary Anderson and Peter Wright the main men likely to upset Mighty Mike.
2015 Champion Robert Thornton is the main beneficiary of Taylor's absence. The Scot had dropped to world number 17 and looked set to miss out on a spot in Dublin. But the 16 time world champs absence has earned him a reprieve and a guaranteed £5k.
Raymond van Barneveld is the other beneficiary of Taylors absence, he moves into the top 8 seeds, keeping him away from the other top players for an additional round should he make it that far.
Elsewhere in the field there are 4 debutants for this years event. Rob Cross, this weekends German Darts Grand Prix finalist has qualified in his first season as a tour card holder. Voltage, as he is now nicknamed lost out to Michael van Gerwen in Sundays final, but such is the success of his debut season, hes the top ranked Pro tour qualifier.
Richard North has also qualified in his first season as a tour card holder, whist former Lakeside Champion Christian Kist, and the elder Huybrechts brother, Ronny, will be on the World Grand Prix stage for the first time.
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- Missed that as was working. Damon must be absolutely gutted. Will be interesting to see Premier League players.ListerAnderson28-12-2024
- What a top class match that was, gutted for Cullen. Great to see them both play so well. One of the matches of the year.ListerAnderson28-12-2024
- He is a legend and a very good set player, was great to see him play well.ListerAnderson28-12-2024
- And this should be the end of it. He was playing like a w****r and gestured as such. End of.Mysstree25-12-2024
- Cross will likely be No. 4 in the world after the world's. He's been in the quarter's or higher in 7 out of the 14 ranked TV majors in the last 2 years. Neither Williams or Cross played close to what they're capable of in this match.Matilda6224-12-2024
- Was a great match and am a fan of Scott, don't see much of him on TV. How the hell is Cross 5 in the world, he goes out almost immediately in every competition.richieburnettrocks24-12-2024
- He has Guillerme Barre Syndrome. Nerve damage due to autoimmune response. Could take him months to recover if at all.medinabello23-12-2024
- I have a nickname for him Ni I man.medinabello23-12-2024
- C'MON HEMPS!!medinabello23-12-2024
- He looks very healthy. I doubt he can run or anything. You need carbs for that. Carbs fuel your brain also. It is the preferred energy source for the brain. Carbs get broken down into glycogen fuel for your muscles. As a rider I totally need carbs. However for a dart player who doesn't need a brain or be fit this diet is perfect.medinabello23-12-2024