BELGIUM'S Erik Clarys has been forced to withdraw from the Budweiser UK Open after breaking his throwing arm in an accident on Wednesday.
The Belgian number one, a quarter-finalist in last year's tournament, was due to open his challenge this year against Steve Hine in the second round on Friday night.
However, he broke his right arm in five places in a fall from a ladder at his Antwerp home on Wednesday.
He was taken to hospital and underwent surgery, and is facing a stay of up to a week before being released.
"The Sheriff" will also miss out on the Las Vegas Desert Classic, and his participation in next month's Stan James World Matchplay is also in doubt.
He is currently ranked 26th in the world, and with 28 players qualifying by right for the Winter Gardens extravaganza he would have been assured of a place.
However, the cut-off for that tournament comes after the UK Open, meaning that he could slip out of the top 28 should players below him pick up ranking points - and his injury means he would miss the qualifiers on Friday 16 June.
"It's a huge blow for Erik and we can only send our best wishes to him at this time," said PDC Chief Executive Tim Darby.
"He is a player we all love to watch and I'm sure he had his eyes on winning the Budweiser UK Open.
"With so many big tournaments coming up in the next six weeks, this injury could hardly have come at a worse time for him. We wish him a speedy recovery."
According to the rules of the tournament, Clarys' second round opponent at Bolton, Steve Hine, will receive a bye into round three.
The Budweiser UK Open begins on Friday night at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton.