Two former PDC world champions pull out of Poland Darts Open as statement is released

Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen have both withdrawn from this weekend’s Poland Darts Open for medical reasons.

Price has stepped down from the tournament following Night Three at the BetMGM Premier League on Thursday night.

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The Welshman, who won the PDC World Championship in 2021, fell to a 6-3 quarter-final defeat to Jonny Clayton in Glasgow.

It would turn out to be a night to remember for Clayton as he beat Luke Littler 6-1 and Gian van Veen 6-2 in the semi-final and final, respectively.

Van Gerwen, meanwhile, played no part on Night Three having confirmed his absence prior to the event.

At the time, ‘Mighty Mike’ posted on his social media: “Sorry Glasgow. Unfortunately, I had to withdraw from the Premier League tonight. Thank you for your support.”

And in a blow to the three-time world champion’s adoring fans, his illness has kept him out of another appearance at the oche – this time in Krakow, Poland.

Van Gerwen has shown signs of him returning back to his best having won his first Premier League night since 2024 when he beat compatriot Van Veen in Newcastle earlier this month.

PDC statement

The PDC were quick to release a statement to confirm the absence of Price and MVG for the tournament, which starts later on Friday.

It read: “Gerwyn Price and Michael van Gerwen have withdrawn from this weekend’s SUPERBET Poland Darts Open due to medical reasons.

“The 2026 European Tour gets underway with the inaugural staging of the Poland Darts Open in Krakow from February 20-22, with world number one Luke Littler and 2023/24 World Champion Luke Humphries amongst the star attractions.

“However, Price withdrew from this weekend’s event due to medical reasons following Night Three of the BetMGM Premier League on Thursday, while Van Gerwen has been unable to recover from the medical issue that ruled him out of Premier League action in Glasgow and pulled out on Friday morning.”

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Duo instantly called up

In Price and Van Gerwen’s absence, the PDC have called up 2023 world champion Michael Smith and fellow fan favourite Callan Rydz.

And in a boost for the pair, they have both been given a bye to the second round.

Explaining why, the PDC stated: “Both withdrawals came after the draw was announced.

“Smith and Rydz are direct replacements in the draw, and will therefore enter the tournament in round two on Saturday.”

Smith will face the winner of Joe Cullen vs Krzysztof Kciuk with the pair facing off in the first round on Friday evening.

And the victor of Luke Woodhouse vs Carl Sneyd will come up against Rydz in the second round.

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When does the Poland Darts Open start?

The Poland Darts Open gets underway on Friday afternoon and is the first of 15 PDC European Tour events on the 2026 PDC Pro Tour.

And the prize pool for the 2026 PDC European Tour events has risen to £230,000, with the winner in Poland taking home £35,000.

After the Poland Darts Open, the PDC European Tour continues next month for the European Darts Trophy at the Lokhalle in Göttingen, Germany.