Новости Unicorn

The Welshman had left it as long as possible before making his decision but his right foot is still in plaster and Bates is looking long-term. He doesn’t want to risk any more damage to the foot, which flared up in Las Vegas and at the World Matchplay in Blackpool.

“It is a disappointment,” he said. “But it would have been impossible to do myself justice and I have to rest up and make sure my foot is 100 per cent before I play again.”

The Unicorn star was due to play Shaun Greatbatch in Utrecht but the English player will now receive a bye.

Bates has set his sights on a comeback at the big Welsh double-header weekend in September, when Newport hosts the Players Championship tournament and the first UK Open Regional event.

The break is an old football injury…..at first doctors thought it may be gout or arthritis, before a scan revealed the true extent of the damage.

Bates could hardly walk on the oche when he played Raymond Van Barneveld in the 2nd Round at Blackpool.

The World Darts Trophy in Holland starts on August 31, with Phil Taylor aiming to retain his crown and put his recent bad run firmly behind him.

BY STUART PYKE