Michael van Gerwen ruled out of the World Darts Championship with Covid

Michael van Gerwen has been withdrawn from the 2021/22 World Darts Championship after testing positive for Covid-19.

Van Gerwen was due to face Chris Dobey in the Third Round on Tuesday evening, but has returned a positive Covid test and is therefore out of the competition.

As a result, Dobey will receive a bye into the Last 16 – where he will face Dave Chisnall or Luke Humphries.

Van Gerwen had defeated Chas Barstow 3-1 in his opening contest on Saturday December 18.

The Dutchman, who remained in the UK over Christmas, has become the third player to test positive for Covid-19 during the tournament, with Raymond van Barneveld having tested positive following his Second Round defeat to Rob Cross last week and Vincent van der Voort being withdrawn from the tournament 24 hours ago.

Van Gerwen came into close contact with Van der Voort during the Christmas period.

The three-time World Champion tweeted:

Really disappointed, confused, angry…..the way how my world championship is ending.
Never expected this outcome as I thought I did everything in my possibility to avoid it. Also ain’t got any symptoms.
Closing this year of really quickly.
Fans I’ll be back stronger! 💚

— Michael Van Gerwen (@MvG180) December 28, 2021

Spain’s Juan Rodriguez withdrew prior to the tournament following a positive test.

Tuesday’s evening session at Alexandra Palace will now feature just two matches as Rob Cross plays Daryl Gurney and Peter Wright meets Damon Heta.