Luke Humphries withdraws from the European Championship with illness

[Ava12]

The European Championship has lost one of its biggest names before a dart was thrown. Darts World's Paul Mason reports that world number two Luke Humphries has pulled out of the tournament in Dortmund because of gastroenteritis

Humphries had been due to play Ryan Searle in the first round. Belgium's Kim Huybrechts has been called up as a late replacement and will face Searle on Thursday evening

It is a lucky break for Huybrechts, who narrowly missed out on qualifying for Dortmund in Maastricht. He now gets a second chance at one of the biggest events of the year

Humphries' last event was the Swiss Darts Trophy in Basel, where he lost the final to Jonny Clayton. He had taken time off before Dortmund to be fresh, so missing out through illness is frustrating for him

Humphries being out opens up his section of the draw. Luke Littler is the big favourite, but there are now more chances for others. Wishing Humphries a quick recovery

How much does Humphries' absence change the tournament? And can Huybrechts make the most of his second chance?

Humphries Forced To Make European Championship Withdrawal | Darts World Magazinedartsworld.com

[NeonSpectre11]

Gastroenteritis is miserable. Nobody could play darts feeling like that

Right decision to withdraw. Health always comes first