Price pulls out of bid for Wales World Cup hat-trick because of 'health issues'

GERWYN Price has been ruled out of Wales' defence of the World Cup of Darts title because health issues.

The 39-year-old from Markham was set to partner Jonny Clayton in Frankfurt with the aim of triumphing for the third time.

However, Price has been ruled out and replaced by Jim Williams for the event, which starts tomorrow.

"I'm massively disappointed that I'm having to miss the World Cup and I always love representing Wales," said world number four Price, who won the tournament in 2020 and last year.

"I wish Jonny and Jim Williams the best of luck this weekend and hopefully they can bring back the title again."

Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton of Wales won the World Cup of Darts in 2020

Price is replaced by the next highest-ranked Welsh player from the PDC order of merit – Williams, the world number 44 from Powys.

The draw has already been made and under PDC rules Wales retain their status as second seeds so will enter the event in the second round.

However, the loss of Price is a huge blow for the hopes of winning the title in Germany for the third time, with top seeds England, the Netherlands and Scotland the more fancied pairings.