These notable names will not be present at PDC World Darts Championship

The World Darts Championship will take place from December 15 to January 3 in London. After the PDPA qualifying tournament on Nov. 27, the full field of participants is complete. However, there will also be some notable names missing from the Alexandra Palace.

The highest ranked player who is not qualified for this edition of the World Darts Championship is Alan Soutar. The number 34 of the world managed to reach the last 16 on each of his previous two appearances, beating several big names. This year, however, the Scot had a rather moderate year on the Pro Tour, so he will be missing in Alexandra Palace.

One of the most notable names not to have qualified for the World Darts Championship is Vincent van der Voort. The 47-year-old Dutchman has participated in all editions of the PDC World Championship since 2008 but has fallen out of the world's top 32 since last World Darts Championship. Van der Voort had a very mediocre year on the Pro Tour and has indicated he will quit if he does not have a better season next year.

Another standout who did not qualify for the World Darts Championship is Mervyn King. Like Van der Voort, King has participated in all editions of the PDC World Championship since 2008, but he too has now dropped out of the world's top 32. Also, Mensur Suljovic, who has 15 World Championship appearances at the PDC to his name, will not play at Alexandra Palace this year.

Adrian Lewis will be absent from the World Darts Championship for the first time since 2006. The two-time former world champion decided earlier this year to temporarily stop playing darts. Martijn Kleermaker also did not qualify and will not be there next year. Kleermaker announced that he is temporarily interrupting his career to spend more time with his children.

Jeff Smith will be missing from this year's PDC World Championship after five appearances. The Canadian did win the PDC North American Championship this year, but new rules prevent him from qualifying for the World Championship as a Tour Card holder. Multiple-time participants Rowby-John Rodriguez, Ryan Meikle and Darius Labanauskas will also be missing in London.