GERWYN PRICE will not be competing in tonight's Premier League Darts show in Aberdeen.
The announcement was made just a few hours before a single dart was thrown at the highly-anticipated event.
Price, 39, was forced to withdraw due to a back problem that has led to a trapped nerve.
This unfortunate development means that the Welshman's quarter-final opponent Luke Humphries has received a bye into the semis.
A PDC statement read: "Gerwyn Price has withdrawn from Thursday's BetMGM Premier League night in Aberdeen as he continues to struggle with a back problem.
"2021 World Champion Price was unable to compete in last weekend's Austrian Darts Open after suffering a trapped nerve in his back.
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"The Welshman has undergone treatment since last Friday but has not recovered sufficiently to travel to Scotland to take part in Night 14 at P&J Live.
"Under tournament rules, Price's planned quarter-final opponent in Aberdeen, Luke Humphries, now receives a Bye into the semi-finals on Thursday, as well as gaining two league points and +1 leg difference.
"Price, meanwhile, receives -6 leg difference on the league table."
Price has yet to isue a comment regarding his withdrawal from the event.
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Price was seventh in the Premier League Darts table before his withdrawal.
The Iceman was eight points ahead of bottom-placed Peter Wright.
And the Markham star was 19 points adrift of highflying Luke Littler.