WDF releases update on qualifying slots for Lakeside

After the British Classic and the British Open were played last weekend, the final tournaments that still counted toward the regional UK & Ireland ranking toward the WDF World Championship, the organisation has given an update on the qualifying spots for Lakeside.

Earlier, it became clear that Luke Littler was opting to go to the PDC World Darts Championship. Because Littler had qualified through the UK & Ireland rankings, among others, a replacement had to be named. Barry Copeland is the highest seeded player in this regard. However, because Copeland has already qualified for the WDF World Championship, Littler's replacement is now the highest ranked player in the WDF world rankings on Monday, Oct. 30.

That means four places are currently up for grabs via the WDF world rankings and currently those places are occupied by Liam Maendl-Lawrance, Danny Porter, Berry van Peer and Leonard Gates.

The WDF also announced that Australian Aaron Morrison has had to decline his invitation for personal reasons. Because Morrison qualified for Lakeside through the Australian regional rankings, his invitation will initially go only to the highest ranked player in those rankings after the final Australian qualifying tournament, which takes place on Oct. 15.

If that player has already qualified, the invitation is extended to the highest ranked player in the WDF world rankings.