A DARTS player has been taken to hospital after experiencing chest pains during his practice throws.
Sandro Eric Sosing was due to face Englishman Ian White in the first round of the PDC World Darts Championship on Friday afternoon.
Yet he fell ill backstage and required a medical assessment at Ally Pally.
It was then decided that he should withdraw from the competition and was taken to a nearby hospital.
The thrower from Tabontabon, 41, qualified for the tournament for a second year in a row – he lost to Lee Evans 12 months ago – after finishing as runner-up in the Asian Championship.
White, 54, now plays Basildon’s Ritchie Edhouse in the second round on Sunday afternoon.
MC John McDonald explained to the crowd what had happened, saying: “Sosing has been taken to hospital and we will keep you posted on that.
“Unfortunately this match will not take place.
“Therefore our next match and final match this afternoon will be (Stephen) Bunting versus (Kai) Gotthardt.”
A PDC spokesperson said: “Sandro Eric Sosing has withdrawn from his match with Ian White on medical grounds.
“Sosing reported chest pains whilst practicing and following an on site assessment by medical staff he has been taken for further treatment.”
Wessel Nijman, one of the tournament favourites, came through a thrilling last-leg decider with South African Cameron Carolissen.
The Dutchman – who once served a two-and-a-half-year ban for match fixing – threw his dart into the oche in celebration.
SunSport understands he will not be fined or punished for his dangerous celebration but more reminded of his responsibility with a word in his ear.
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