Darts star Gerwyn Price has had to withdraw from the Flanders Darts Trophy due to an infected hand, as the PDC confirmed on social media.

The tournament, which had already kicked off when Price withdrew, will not see a new player taking his place in the draw. Consequently, Ryan Joyce, who narrowly clinched a 6-5 victory over Ricardo Pietreczko, advanced directly to the third round without having to face Price.

Price had previously posted a picture of his swollen hand online following a hasty hospital visit. On Friday, he updated his followers on Instagram, explaining that the Antwerp event was just too soon for him.

“Unfortunately my hand isn’t ready for this weekend, I left it as late as possible to try and give the best chance possible but it wasn’t to be, hopefully will be ready for next weekend,” he shared with his fans, expressing gratitude for their support.

Price is not alone in missing the Flanders Darts Trophy; other prominent players like Luke Humphries, Nathan Aspinall, and Gary Anderson have also opted out. Meanwhile, Luke Littler remains in contention despite undergoing urgent dental surgery before the event.

“In pain for hours and hours, so had to get tooth out,” Littler disclosed on social media. He added optimistically: “Luckily they were able to do it and sort me out but hopefully it’s all good for Saturday.

“Everyone knows I love Belgium and hopefully I can play my best darts. I’ve never had this done and I don’t know how I’m going to be feeling but right now I am in shock and shaken as I didn’t know what to expect.”

As one of the top 16 seeds, Littler was granted a bye into the second round. Price, also a seeded player, meant his would-be challenger Joyce advances directly to the round of 16.

Littler’s next challenge comes in the form of Dylan Slevin, with their clash scheduled for an evening session that will also see the all-Dutch face-off between Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen.

Slevin earned his spot against the world champion by defeating local favourite Francois Schweyen in the opening round.

Despite Schweyen’s exit, Belgian hopes for a home victory in Antwerp remain alive. Kim Huybrechts is set to face James Wade after dispatching Lukas Wenig in the first round, while Mario Vandenbogaerde triumphed over ex-world champ Michael Smith and Mike De Decker secured a 6-3 win against Martin Lukeman.