Luke Littler has officially withdrawn from the European Darts Grand Prix in Germany following hostile receptions from German crowds.
The reigning world champion announced on social media that he would not return to Germany until October after facing jeers at recent events.
The tournament is scheduled to take place in Sindelfingen from May 2-4, but Littler will be absent.
His decision comes just hours before he is due to compete in night 13 of the Premier League darts in Birmingham.
Luke Littler was not happy with the reception he got in Germany
PA
Littler's withdrawal follows difficult experiences in Berlin and Munich where he was subjected to booing from German fans.
The 18-year-old faced a particularly hostile reception during the Premier League night in Berlin at the Uber Arena on 3 April, where he lost to Chris Dobey.
He was then subjected to more jeers at the German Darts Grand Prix in Munich.
Following these experiences, Littler expressed his frustration on social media, stating: "Shouldn't have been in Munich but had to play anyway."
He added: "Next one in Germany for me is Dortmund and I am glad to say that."
The statement clearly indicates Littler's intention to avoid German tournaments until the Dortmund event in October.
Littler's decision means he is the only player from the world's top 20 not participating in the European Tour Event 6.
More significantly, if he stays true to his word about not returning to Germany until October, he would miss the World Cup of Darts in June.
This is a major tournament where Littler is expected to partner world No 1 Luke Humphries representing England.
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Luke Littler was not happy with the Berlin crowd earlier this year in the Premier League
Sky SportsMeanwhile, the rest of the elite players will be competing in Sindelfingen, including former champions Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Rob Cross and Peter Wright.
Gary Anderson will begin his title defence against either Gian van Veen or Nathan Rafferty.
The tournament will feature 16 matches across two sessions on Friday before the seeded players enter on Saturday.
Despite the controversy surrounding his German appearances, Littler remains in excellent form in the Premier League.
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He currently sits at the top of the Premier League leaderboard with 30 points, having secured four nightly wins.
Littler will face Stephen Bunting in the first round match-up at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham tonight.
Bunting, who is the fifth seed in the upcoming European Darts Grand Prix, recently joked about not winding up Manchester United fan Littler too much about Liverpool winning the league.
The Premier League continues its weekly schedule, with the Play-Offs set for London's O2 arena on May 29.
