Nathan Aspinall has opted against competing in Amsterdam this week.
Nathan Aspinall has revealed that he has withdrawn from the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam this weekend.
The 33-year-old has been ruled out through injury since his second-round defeat to James Wade at World Matchplay in July, undergoing a course of treatment for a tendon injury in his throwing arm.
Aspinall was expected to return to the oche this weekend now that his rehabilitation is drawing to a close, but the world No. 5 has decided to delay his return slightly to ensure that he does not reaggravate the injury, despite £400,000 on offer for competitors.
A scan has shown that the Stockport-born star will need some minor additional treatment, prompting Aspinall to rule himself out of the tournament in the Netherlands this weekend.
He explained: “I’ve said all along that I only want to return to playing once my arm has recovered sufficiently.
“I’ve been making good progress with my treatment but my latest scans have come back and I need more treatment this week, and reluctantly I will have to miss the World Series of Darts Finals.
“I’m getting closer to being able to play again and I hope I can get back to action soon – but only when I’m confident that I’ve recovered and won’t be risking further damage.”
PDC rule states that the highest-seeded player to have lost in the final round of the Tour Card Holder Qualifier for the World Series of Darts Finals will be in line to replace Aspinall. Thus, Andrew Gilding looks like he will be selected to face Wessel Nijman in the opening round of the competition.