Sandro Eric Sosing, a professional darts player from Tabontabon, was taken to the hospital after experiencing chest pains during a warm-up session shortly before his opening match at the PDC World Darts Championship on Friday.
The 41-year-old was scheduled to compete against Ian White in the first round but fell ill backstage at Alexandra Palace, necessitating immediate medical intervention.
Medical personnel on-site assessed Sosing and recommended he withdraw from the tournament to seek further treatment. He was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital.
A spokesperson for the PDC confirmed the incident, stating: “Sandro Eric Sosing has withdrawn from his match with Ian White on medical grounds. Sosing reported chest pains whilst practising and following an on-site assessment by medical staff, he has been taken for further treatment.”
MC John McDonald addressed the audience, explaining: “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.”
This was Sosing’s second consecutive appearance at the World Championship, having qualified after finishing as the runner-up in the Asian Championship.
In the previous edition, he was eliminated in the first round following a defeat to Lee Evans. With his withdrawal, Ian White now advances and is set to face Ritchie Edhouse in the second round on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Dutch darts player Wessel Nijman triumphed in a nail-biting match against South Africa’s Cameron Carolissen.
The match ended in a last-leg decider, with Nijman celebrating his victory by throwing his dart into the oche. While his exuberant celebration raised concerns, it has been reported that he will not face penalties. Officials intend to remind him of his responsibilities, offering a cautionary “word in his ear.”
Fans are closely following developments in the ongoing tournament, and updates on Sosing’s condition are anticipated as the competition progresses.
(THE SUN)
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