Vincent van der Voort withdraws from World Seniors Championship

Vincent van der Voort has withdrawn from the 2025 World Seniors Darts Championship for medical reasons.

The popular Dutchman was due to make his debut in the over-45s event at the Circus Tavern on Thursday, but has pulled out less than 24 hours before his scheduled match in Purfleet.

Van der Voort’s scheduled opponent – Neil Duff – now receives a bye through to the Second Round, where he will meet either Richard-Eirig Rowlands or Graham Usher on Friday.

WSD Chairman Jason Francis, said: “Everyone at WSD’s thoughts go out to Vincent, and we thank everyone for their understanding of the situation.

“Health is paramount, and we wish Vincent all the best. We hope to see him in a WSD tournament very soon.”

Van der Voort, who dropped off the PDC circuit at the end of last season, had not featured in a competitive event since the Grand Slam of Darts qualifier last November.

The 49-year-old was set to become the first player aged under 50 to compete in a televised World Seniors event since the minimum age criteria was lowered to 45.

The former UK Open finalist recently revealed he stepped away from PDC Darts after his sister passed away last July following a battle with cancer.

Van der Voort revealed he was regularly visiting his sister in hospital, while also supporting her three children, and struggled to fully focus on the demanding ProTour schedule.

Van der Voort, who has also suffered with a number of injury problems throughout his career, is likely to return to competitive action in the MODUS Super Series later this year.