Niko Springer withdraws from Players Championship Finals last minute due to illness

The Players Championship Finals start on Friday. The best 64 players on the Players Championship Order of Merit qualify for the tournament. Niko Springer, one of Germany's leading lights had to withdraw at short notice though so he won't be involved.

The new German number four is having an outstanding year. His debut in the world's top 55 with less than a full year on the tour is an extraordinary achievement. By winning the title at the Hungarian Darts Trophy, the man from Mainz even secured himself a spot at the Grand Slam of Darts. He impressed there with victories over Gary Anderson and Michael van Gerwen. Compatriot Lukas Wenig only stopped him in the round of 16. Now the next major debut was to follow. Springer qualified for the Players Championship Finals as number 61 in the Players Championship Order of Merit.

He would have met Ross Smith in the first round, but the duel will not take place. As the PDC confirmed on X, Springer had to cancel the tournament due to illness. As a result, he not only misses out on his appearance at the Major, but also the guaranteed prize money of 3000 pounds. His strong round of 16 performance at the Grand Slam will therefore be his last appearance before the World Championship, which begins on December 11. Ryan Meikle now replaces the German.