Gerwyn Price has been forced to withdraw from the Hungarian Darts Trophy quarter-finals, handing Luke Littler a bye into the semi-finals.
Price was in line to face Littler on Sunday night after an impressive 6-2 win against Raymond van Barneveld at the BOK Hall in Budapest.
However, the 18-year-old failed to take advantage of the free pass and was beaten 7-4 by Danny Noppert, just days after he claimed to be taking a step back from darts.
Price has since added more context to his withdrawal and insisted he hopes to make a swift return to the stage with a post on Instagram on Monday morning.
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He wrote: "Not sure if I caught a 24hr bug but that's what l'm hoping and it doesn't hang around, was really ill all day Sunday, hopefully it goes today.
"Thanks everyone for the messages."
This isn't the first time recently the Welshman has been in the wars, after being hospitalised with a hand injury just three weeks before the Hungarian Darts Trophy.
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Price will receive £6,000 in prize money for his run to the quarter-finals in Budapest, with Littler pocketting £8,000 for making the semi final.
Despite an overall underwhelming summer, Price is not too concerned about the immidiete future with his priority ensuring his career lasts well into the future.
Speaking in July, the 40-year-old claimed he expects to go on to be a multiple world champion.
“I’ve only been playing darts for 11 years in total,” Price said.
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“My throw is still developing, and when you look at my throw from three years ago, it’s a lot different now. I’m sure if you look at it in three years’ time, it will be different again."
"Peter Wright, Michael van Gerwen, and those boys who have developed over 20 to 30 years – look at how much they’ve improved their game."
“In another ten years, I think I will be a three or four-time World Champion. I will have won every major, and I will be ready to retire.”
Topics: Luke Littler, Darts
Tom Jenkins