Anderson managed to win the European Darts Grand Prix early this year and then invariably opted out of subsequent Euro Tours. The Flanders Darts Trophy is the sixth Euro Tour tournament in a row that 'The Flying Scotsman' has not participated in. Anderson has a much longer run standing in that regard. The Scot did not play a Euro Tour tournament at all from August 2016 to April 2023.
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.
Due to the withdrawals of Anderson and Aspinall, Mike de Decker and Scott Williams were called up to take part in the Belgian port city. De Decker gets to take on Richard Veenstra in front of his own crowd, and if the Dutchman wins, Ryan Searle awaits in the second round. Williams faces Marko Kantele at his slot. The winner of that duel will meet Stephen Bunting in the last 32.
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Gary Anderson and Nathan Aspinall have withdrawn from this weekend's Flanders Darts Trophy.
They will be replaced by home favorite Mike de Decker and Scott Williams.