James Wade has been ruled out of competing in the Cazoo Premier League in Sheffield on Thursday after spending three nights in hospital.
The 'Machine' was taken ill at the European Open in Leverkusen at the weekend, suffering from palpitations, dizziness and nausea. Wade, 39, was treated at the venue by German paramedics before being admitted to hospital for tests and observation.
Although the world No.5 returned home to Aldershot yesterday, he will not play in the Premier League – where he is well-placed to reach next month's play-offs in Berlin – on medical advice. His absence means Masters champion Joe Cullen receives a bye into the second round of Thursday's action at the Utilita Arena.
"I'd like to thank all the medical staff for their care over the past few days and also to all the fans around the world who have sent messages of support," said Wade. "Now that I'm home, I'll be taking time to recover fully before returning to playing when the time is right."
The 2009 Premier League champion occupies third place in the Premier League standings, having won events in Manchester and Dublin. The top four finishers will advance in the competition, with only three events left until the play-offs get underway in Berlin on June 13.
As well as missing Thursday's Premier League event in Sheffield, Wade's recovery period will almost definitely rule him out of this weekend's European Tour duties. The Czech Darts Open gets underway in Prague on Friday and runs until Sunday.
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Wade was scheduled to face Dmitri van den Bergh in the semi-finals of the European Open prior to his withdrawal last weekend. His Belgian opponent went on to face Michael van Gerwen in the decider, where he succumbed 8-5.
His wife, Samantha, will be particularly pleased to have The Machine home as she awaits the couple's second child. The pair welcomed their first child —a son, Arthur—in October 2018, which will have undoubtedly affected her duties as Wade's manager.
Darts fans will look forward to the return of one of the sport's most adored figures. Partner Sammi said the veteran is "desperate to make sure he doesn't let anyone down" and wants to repay those supporters who have already bought tickets for upcoming shows.
