What changed
Luke Humphries has withdrawn from the European Championship in Germany because of gastroenteritis.
Kim Huybrechts replaces him as the highest-ranked player from the 2026 European Tour rankings who had not qualified. He will face Ryan Searle in Dortmund on Thursday.
Why it matters
Humphries leaves the tournament after winning the World Grand Prix and reaching the Swiss Darts Trophy final, which Jonny Clayton won. That makes his absence a notable change to a field that had been expecting the world number two to arrive in strong form.
Huybrechts now gets the opportunity, but the draw changes immediately. His first match is against Searle, while defending champion Gian van Veen faces Andrew Gilding and Gerwyn Price plays Rob Cross.
World number one Luke Littler begins on Friday against William O’Connor. For now, the key uncertainty is limited to Humphries’ recovery: the tournament has confirmed why he withdrew, but not how long he will be unavailable.
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