Late change made to Australian Darts Masters lineup

The Australian Darts Masters has had to make a late change to its line-up just weeks before the tournament begins. Darren Penhall has withdrawn due to a shoulder injury and will be replaced by fellow Australian Mal Cuming.

The 53-year-old Penhall, who competed at the 2023/24 World Darts Championship, is set to undergo shoulder surgery in the coming weeks. As a result, he is unable to take part in the Australian Darts Masters, which will be held on on August 21-22 in Wollongong, Australia.

The organizers have now appointed Mal Cuming as the replacement. He is the highest-ranked player on the Australian Darts Association rankings who had not yet qualified for the tournament and therefore steps into the 16-player field.

The Australian Darts Masters is part of the World Series of Darts and once again boasts a strong international field this year. For Dutch fans, the participation of Gian van Veen is of particular interest. The European champion, together with Welshman Jonny Clayton, is among the event’s major crowd-pullers. Gerwyn Price is also making the trip to Australia. The former world champion will be joined by the likes of Josh Rock, James Wade, Stephen Bunting, and Ross Smith. The international elite is rounded out by Australia’s number one, Damon Heta.

In addition to the eight PDC stars, eight players from Australia and New Zealand will take to the oche. Simon Whitlock, winner of the ANZ Premier League, leads that group. Tour Card holder Adam Leek is also in the line-up.

Furthermore, Raymond Smith and Brody Klinge get the chance to perform in front of their home crowd. Tim Pusey and Joe Comito also return to a World Series stage, while call-up Mal Cuming gets his opportunity thanks to Penhall’s withdrawal. New Zealander Ben Robb, who impressed earlier this year at the World Cup of Darts, completes the field.