Vincent van der Voort is out of the World Darts Championship after testing positive for Covid-19 ahead of his third-round clash with James Wade, the PDC has confirmed.
Van der Voort, 46, was set to face Wade in the second post-Christmas session at Alexandra Palace.
However, Wade has now received a bye into the fourth round after the Dutchman returned a positive Covid test on Monday morning.
Vincent van der Voort is out of the World Darts Championship after testing positive for Covid
While he is still due to receive £25,000 in prize money, Van der Voort will now have to undergo a period of self-isolation as per UK government rules.
The PDC said in a statement: ‘Vincent van der Voort has withdrawn from the William Hill World Darts Championship after testing positive for Covid-19 ahead of his match with James Wade.
‘Wade will receive a bye to the last 16 and Monday evening’s session will continue with two matches.’
Van der Voort was due to play in the third round against James Wade, who has received a bye
Fears have now grown given that Van der Voort, the No 29 seed in this year’s tournament, spent Christmas Day at his manager’s home with world No 3 and compatriot Michael van Gerwen.
Dirk van Duijvenbode, who beat Ross Smith in his own third-round tie, was also present on the day.
Van Gerwen is due to face Chris Dobey on Tuesday, but the three-time world champion will only be free to do so if he returns a positive lateral flow test in the morning before the match.
The Dutchman will miss out on the chance to win £500,000 in the final on January 3
Reserves were able to fill in for anyone testing positive during the first and second rounds of the tournament, however from the third round onwards contracting Covid results in an instant elimination.
Van der Voort, therefore, will miss out on the chance to win £500,000 in the all-important final on January 3 after becoming the first player to be eliminated due to Covid.
Darts legend Raymond van Barneveld has also tested positive, but only after suffering a second-round defeat against Rob Cross last Thursday.
