Four big names in late withdrawal from German Darts Championship 2024 this weekend

Missing from the draw for the 2024 German Darts Championship were four big names who were originally among the field of participants. Gary Anderson, Josh Rock, Michael Smith and Nathan Aspinall all withdrew from the Euro Tour tournament in Hildesheim.

Anderson managed to win the European Darts Grand Prix early this year and then invariably opted out of subsequent Euro Tours. The German Darts Championship is the fifth Euro Tour tournament in a row that 'The Flying Scotsman' has not participated in. Anderson has a much longer streak in that regard. The Scot did not play a Euro Tour tournament at all from August 2016 to April 2023.

Smith will not be there in Hildesheim because he is on holiday with his family. Along with his wife and two sons, he left for Mexico after the World Series doubleheader in Australia and New Zealand.

Aspinall is still recovering for his arm injury, which prevented him from playing a match since his World Matchplay entry. 'The Asp' previously expressed hope that he could return to the circuit by the end of September. It is not known why Rock is not competing in the German Darts Championship.

Due to the four cancellations, four players who had lost their matches in the final round of the Tour Card qualifying tournament were called up. Mensur Suljovic, Dylan Slevin, Robert Owen and Stephen Burton are the four lucky ones who may still make their appearance.