Darts player diagnosed with serious rare condition after falling ill at World Championship as tributes pour in

Paolo Nebrida dedicated his stunning victory over Ross Smith to his fellow countryman Sandro Eric Sosing after he was forced to withdraw from the World Darts Championship following a serious rare condition.

Sosing was forced to withdraw from his first round match against Ian White after falling ill.

He experienced numbness and muscle pain and was subsequently taken to hospital.

The darts player is undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with GBS Guillain-Barre syndrome - a neurological condition.

Guillain-Barre syndrome affects your senses, your movement and things such as breathing and your heartbeat.

According to the NHS, It usually affects your arms and legs first before you get symptoms in other parts of your body.

In a statement, the PDC said: "The Professional Darts Corporation can provide an update on the health of Sandro Eric Sosing, who withdrew before his first round match with Ian White at the World Darts Championship on Friday December 20.

"Sosing had reported numbness and muscle pains while preparing for the game, and after assessment by on-site medical staff was taken to a local hospital for further tests.

"He has subsequently undergone neurological assessment and been diagnosed with having GBS Guillain-Barre syndrome

"He remains under medical care in hospital but hopes to be able to travel home soon.

"Sandro would like to thank everyone who has enquired after his wellbeing for their well wishes and kind messages."

On Sunday, Nebrida produced a huge upset as he beat No.19 seed Ross Smith.

Speaking after his brilliant win, he paid tribute to Sosing, dedicating his victory to his friend.

"It means a lot to me. It's what I've said in the first interview, it's special to me," he said.

"When I'm on the stage, I'm focused. I feel great. This is for my family and to my countryman and to my co-player Sandro Eric Sosing, this is for you.

"Hopefully he is ok, this one is for you. I will visit him. He is my friend, we arrive here and I have to visit him. It's emotional when you're on the stage it's tough."