Stephen Bunting in last minute withdrawal from Players Championship 21 as former world champion steps in as replacement

The draw for Players Championship 21 has just been confirmed in Leicester, with three notable changes in the field from yesterday's lineup at Players Championship 20.

Most notable of the trio of last minute withdrawals, is Stephen Bunting. The world number four reached the final of Players Championship 20 on Tuesday, before falling to defeat against the Australian number one Damon Heta, and even hit a nine-darter en route.

Whilst the exact reason for Bunting's withdrawal is unknown, with the Baltic Sea Darts Open this weekend, and the World Matchplay looming large the weekend however, it is perhaps understandable he wants an extra day to prepare.

Elsewhere, six-time Players Championship title winner Ryan Searle has also stepped back from the field for PC21, as has Sam Spivey, who had originally been called up to Players Championship 20 as a late replacement thanks to his strong form on the Challenge Tour in 2025.

With three withdrawals, comes of course, three replacements. There is plenty of Pro Tour experience in the trio too as former UK Open finalist Colin Osborne is joined by former Lakeside and Grand Slam of Darts champion Scott Waites, with Martin Grearson completing the field for this afternoon's darting action.