Raymond Smith will not compete at Lakeside in December, the WDF has announced. The Australian has been forced to cancel for medical reasons.
On the WDF website, Smith commented. ''Unfortunately, I have a small, non-life threatening medical issue that requires some treatment and I have been grounded by the docs for a period of time."
"I’m gutted as I was looking forward to going back to the Lakeside for the first time in six years to compete against the best that the WDF has to offer. I know I'll beat this and be back! I’m going to do all I can to make up for this disappointment by qualifying for Lakeside 2024!"
WDF rules dictate that Smith's invitational spot be taken by the next highest-ranked player on the WDF rankings who has not qualified by Oct. 30. That is currently Aaron Turner, who may therefore hope to participate in the WDF World Championship.