GERWYN PRICE was forced to withdraw from the Juliper Top of Darts exhibition following illness.
Price, 40, revealed that he has been bed-ridden with a sickness this week and was unable to participate in the Belgian event.
GettyGerwyn Price was forced to withdraw drom the Juliper Top of Darts exhibition with illness[/caption]
The Iceman told that he has spent “18 of the last 24 hours in bed” due to the illness.
While tournament organisers announced that he was replaced by 13-year-old rising star Lex Paeshuyse.
The 2011-born thrower has impressed on the youth circuit, winning the 2024 World Masters, JDC World Championship and JDC Belgian Championship.
Now he is been given a chance to impress alongside some darts’ biggest names – including Michael van Gerwen – after getting the call-up to the exhibition.
A statement from the tournament read: “Last night, we received word from Gerwyn Price that he has recently fallen ill.
“As a result, he unfortunately had to cancel his participation in the tournament in Austria and will also be unable to attend tonight.
“We immediately began searching for a worthy replacement with international appeal. However, this proved to be no easy task: many top players we contacted were already committed to other tournaments or had media obligations.
“Nonetheless, we made a special decision. We already have a world champion in our midst, someone who has won several tournaments this year. That’s why we chose to place our trust in youth.
Shutterstock EditorialRising star Lex Paeshuyse, 13, replaced Gerwyn Price in the exhibition tournament[/caption]
RexPaeshuyse has been compared to Luke Littler[/caption]
“We are proud to announce that none other than Lex Paeshuyse will replace Gerwyn Price.
“For Lex, this will be his very first appearance in a tournament of this level, where he will face the very best in the world. A young player to watch, and a talent we as Belgians can be especially proud of!”
For Price, he appears to be on the mend – sharing photos of himself refuelling with some food on Instagram as he looks to get back to the oche as soon as possible.
Price will be hoping he is back in action for next week’s US Darts Masters in New York City.
The incredible event sees eight PDC representatives face off against eight players from North America at the iconic Madison Square Garden.
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