World Cup of Darts nation forced to abandon mega jackpot as they are replaced by rivals due to major travel issue

UGANDA have been forced to withdraw from the PDC World Cup of Darts after their players were denied entry visas by the German authorities.

Patrick Ocheng and Juma Said had been set to make history by representing the East African nation at the 40-team tournament in Frankfurt, which gets underway on Thursday.

The duo secured Uganda’s place at the prestigious event by coming through the newly introduced African Darts Group qualifier, earning what would have been the country’s first-ever World Cup appearance.

However, their dream was dashed at the eleventh hour after their visa applications were rejected. An appeal against the decision was also unsuccessful, leaving Uganda unable to take part.

Malawi, who finished runners-up in the African qualifying event, were also unable to obtain visas in time to replace them.

As a result, Gibraltar have been handed a late call-up to the tournament. Craig Galliano and Justin Hewitt will once again represent the British Overseas Territory and maintain Gibraltar’s record of appearing at every World Cup of Darts.

They have been placed in Group D alongside the Republic of Ireland, runners-up in 2019, and Singapore.

A £100,000 top prize is up for grabs at Frankfurt’s Eissporthalle, where 40 nations will battle for the title in the unique pairs competition.

World No.1 Luke Littler and World No.2 Luke Humphries will spearhead England’s challenge and head into the event as favourites. The Netherlands, represented by Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen, are seeded second.

Defending champions Northern Ireland return after Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney edged out Wales 10-9 in last year’s dramatic final.

Wales will compete unseeded after Gerwyn Price withdrew from the tournament last month for personal reasons. Nick Kenny will partner two-time World Cup winner Jonny Clayton in Frankfurt.

England, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland and Scotland all receive byes through to the second round as seeded nations.

The tournament concludes on Sunday, with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final all taking place during a blockbuster final day of action.