Mensur Suljovic has withdrawn ahead of the World Matchplay which begins this weekend at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool for medical reasons.
Suljovic was due to face Gerwyn Price in the opening round but has been advised against travelling to the UK by his doctor.
He has not been involved in the last two Super Series with his last competitive action coming at Players Championship 12.
As a result, Jermaine Wattimena who just missed out on a spot as per the PDC rules as the next ProTour Order of Merit player will take his direct spot and will now face the World Number One.
I hope Mensur can recover and be back playing when he is ready - I think Jermaine will give van gerwen more hassle than Mensur at the moment.