In a stunning turn of events for the World Cup of Darts, Welsh hopes have taken a major hit as Gerwyn "The Iceman" Price has officially withdrawn from the tournament. This unexpected decision leaves Wales without their full-strength lineup and, crucially, strips them of their seeded status heading into next month's showdown in Frankfurt.
With Price out, Jonny Clayton will now partner with Nick Kenny to represent the Dragons. However, given Kenny's low Order of Merit ranking, the Welsh duo have lost their coveted seeded position—a spot that now passes to Scotland. It's a bitter pill to swallow for Welsh fans who were dreaming of a deep run.
The qualification window for the World Cup of Darts has now closed following the Austrian Darts Open, meaning the rosters are essentially set. Forty nations will compete, with only the USA yet to announce their pairing. For the former champions, the confirmed teams read like a who's who of darts royalty:
England: Luke Littler & Luke Humphries
Wales: Jonny Clayton & Nick Kenny
Netherlands: Gian van Veen & Michael van Gerwen
Northern Ireland: Josh Rock & Daryl Gurney
Scotland: Gary Anderson & Cameron Menzies
Australia: Damon Heta & Adam Leek
But before you pencil in those lineups, there are a few caveats worth noting. Luke Littler has expressed his intention to play, but should the teenage sensation have a change of heart, the door would swing open for veteran James Wade—a man whose first World Cup appearance dates back to 2010, when Littler was barely out of nappies.
Similarly, Michael van Gerwen has occasionally opted to sit out the tournament in recent years. If that pattern repeats, Danny Noppert would be next in line to don the Dutch orange jersey. And over in Scotland, two-time world champion Peter Wright is primed and ready should a vacancy emerge, waiting in the wings alongside Gary Anderson and John Henderson.
For darts fans, the drama is already heating up—and the tournament hasn't even started yet. Stay tuned for more updates as the World Cup of Darts approaches.