MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has had to withdraw from the New Tropicana World Series of Darts Festival after breaking his collarbone.
The Dutch ace was aiming for a successful week in Las Vegas in his bid to qualify for the StanJames.com World Matchplay next month - with three Players Championships remaining before the qualifiers are known.
However, the 21-year-old fell whilst cycling on Tuesday night and broke the collarbone of his non-throwing, left arm.
He will return to hospital for further checks next week to determine if he will need an operation or just a period of rest to recover from the injury.
"It's obviously very disappointing for me," said van Gerwen. "I have played in Blackpool for the last three years and I was really focused on doing well in Las Vegas to qualify this year."
Subject to fitness, van Gerwen will be one of the eight European Order of Merit qualifiers for the PartyPoker.net European Championship, which begins on July 29 in Dinslaken.