Filipino darts player Sandro Eric Sosing has been forced to withdraw from the PDC World Championship minutes before his scheduled first-round match at Alexandra Palace after suffering chest pains.
The 41-year-old was due to face Ian White on Friday afternoon when he fell ill during his practice session.
Medical staff initially assessed Sosing at the venue before he was taken to hospital for further treatment.
The dramatic development led to the cancellation of the match, which was set to be the third contest of Friday’s schedule.
Sandro Eric Sosing has been forced to withdraw from the World Championship
PA
The PDC issued a statement confirming the situation: “Sandro Eric Sosing has withdrawn from his match with Ian White on medical grounds.
“Sosing reported chest pains whilst practicing and following an on site assessment by medical staff he has been taken for further treatment.”
Sky Sports commentators later confirmed that Sosing had been transported to hospital.
The tournament schedule was adjusted following the withdrawal, with the second-round match between Kai Gotthardt and Stephen Bunting moved forward to fill the gap.
The match had been scheduled for approximately 3:15pm before the last-minute cancellation.
Sosing had earned his place in the tournament after finishing as runner-up in the PDC Asian Championship earlier this year.
The Filipino player, nicknamed ‘The Bodyguard’, lost 7-3 to fellow countryman Lourence Ilagan in the final of the Asian Championship.
Sandro Eric Sosing was set to play Ian White on Friday
PA
Despite the defeat, his performance secured him £5,500 in prize money and a coveted spot in darts’ showpiece event.
This was set to be Sosing’s second appearance at the World Darts Championship.
As a result of Sosing’s withdrawal, Ian White received a bye into the second round of the tournament.
Ian White has been given a bye at the World Championship
PA
White will now face European Championship winner Ritchie Edhouse in the second round on Sunday.
The winner of that contest could potentially face young prodigy Luke Littler in the third round, should the 17-year-old sensation overcome Ryan Meikle in his opening match on Saturday evening.
White, who previously reached the quarter-finals at Alexandra Palace 11 years ago, will be looking to capitalise on his unexpected advancement in the competition.
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