Cameron Carolissen gets World Championship blessing as Martijn Kleermaker and Josh Payne rule | Darts News

The 24-year-old South Africa is making his debut at Alexandra Palace this year; he will go straight through to round two, where he will face Danny Noppert ‘s 25th seed

Cameron Carolissen will be blessed through to the second round of the World Darts Championship, after Martijn Kleermaker and his intended replacement Josh Payne were knocked out of the competition.

Emerging Dutchman Kleermaker was ready to make his PDC World Championship debut after an impressive first year on tour, although the 29-year-old was ruled out the competition after returning the advanced Covid-19 test.

“I am very disappointed that I cannot take part in the World Cup,” Kleermaker told the PDC.

“My health is my top priority and at the moment I am not showing any symptoms, but I would urge everyone to respect my privacy at this difficult time. Thank you for your support and your understanding. “

Payne, a former World Youth finalist – the highest-ranking player of the PDPA Warrant’s six finalists – replaced Kleermaker, although he was also rejected, despite being denied. return negative test.

The 27-year-old has been in close contact with someone in the past 24 hours who has returned a positive test and therefore needs self-segregation according to UK government protocols.

With no further chance to replace Kleermaker ahead of tonight’s scheduled tie, South African player Carolissen will now be blessed with the first round, with Sunday afternoon’s session featuring just three games.

All other players and officials tested so far have received negative results.

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