Raymond Smith forced to withdraw from Lakeside due to medical reasons

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.