Luke Littler has withdrawn from the European Darts Grand Prix in Germany just hours before his Premier League appearance in Birmingham.
The 18-year-old world champion has pulled out of the tournament, which takes place in Sindelfingen from May 2-4.
His decision follows hostile receptions from German crowds during his recent appearances in Berlin and Munich.
Littler had previously stated on social media that he would not return to Germany until October, following the negative treatment he received.
Luke Littler will not play at the World Cup is he sticks to his word and insists on not returning to Germany this summer
PAFollowing his experiences in Germany, Littler had written on social media: "Shouldn't have been in Munich but had to play anyway. Next one in Germany for me is Dortmund and I am glad to say that."
The teenager faced jeers during night nine of Premier League darts at Berlin's Uber Arena on 3 April, where he lost to Chris Dobey.
He was then subjected to similar treatment at the German Darts Grand Prix in Munich at the end of last month.
More significantly, if Littler maintains his stance of not returning to Germany until October, he would miss the World Cup of Darts in June.
This is a major tournament where Littler was expected to partner world number one Luke Humphries for England.
The pair would have been a formidable team as England look to defend their World Cup trophy.
Littler's reference to playing in Germany in October suggests he plans to feature in the German Darts Championship, which takes place in Dortmund from October 17-19.
Stephen Bunting could be the beneficiary of Littler's decision, potentially replacing him in England's World Cup team alongside Humphries.
Bunting has already commented on the situation, saying: "He's put a few posts on socials about not going back to Germany. Well, if he doesn't go back to Germany, that means I'm in the World Cup, doesn't it?"
The rest of the top 20 players, including Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Rob Cross and Gerwyn Price, are all expected to compete in the European Darts Grand Prix this weekend.
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Luke Littler and Luke Humphries were set to be England's pairing for the World Cup
PALittler currently sits at the top of the Premier League leaderboard on 30 points, having secured four nightly wins.
He is set to face Bunting in the opening match of Night 13 at Birmingham's Utilita Arena this evening.
After his quarter-final exit to Michael van Gerwen last week, Littler's lead at the top was cut to four points by Humphries.
Bunting, meanwhile, sits at the bottom of the table with just eight points, nine behind Nathan Aspinall who occupies the final play-off spot.
