BARRIE BATES has been forced to withdraw from the Bullit World Darts Trophy after failing to recover from a broken foot.
The Welshman has been in a plaster cast since discovering he had a broken bone in his foot following last month's Stan James World Matchplay.
A visit to a specialist last week saw Bates advised to rest the foot for a further three weeks, meaning he could not take part in the World Darts Trophy.
He had been due to play in the Preliminary Round this Friday in Utrecht, starting off against Shaun Greatbatch.
Greatbatch now receives a bye to the second round of that event, where he will face either Martin Atkins or Alan Caves for a place in the main tournament.
Bates is hoping to be fit to return for the two PDC Pro Tour events in Newport on 22 and 23 September.
Click here for our previous story, Bates Nursing Broken Foot