Gerwyn Price ruled out for Wales' World Cup of Darts defence

Welshman Gerwyn Price has been ruled out of the World Cup of Darts this weekend.

The world number four was due to defend Wales' 2023 title with team-mate Jonny Clayton in Frankfurt but has withdrawn due to health issues.

He will be replaced by Jim Williams, who is the third highest-ranked Welsh player.

Price said in a statement: "I’m massively disappointed that I’m having to miss the World Cup and I always love representing Wales.

"I wish Jonny and Jim Williams the best of luck this weekend and hopefully they can bring back the title again."

Wales retain their second-seed status and will enter the tournament in the second-round stage on Saturday.

England's pairing of Luke Humphries and Michael Smith are the top seeds. Despite his explosion on to the scene this year, Luke Littler is not involved in the tournament as teams are selected on ranking.

Ninth seeds The Republic of Ireland are in Group E with Lithuania and Chinese Taipei and are represented by Willie O'Connor and Keane Barry.

Northern Ireland's Josh Rock and Brendan Dolan are sixth seeds and will face South Africa and Switzerland.

Neither side got out of the group stage last year. Only the 12 group winners advance to join England, Wales, Netherlands and Scotland in the last 16.