Michael van Gerwen to miss UK Open with back injury

Image source, Rex Features

Image caption, Michael van Gerwen has been hoping to defend his UK Open title in Minehead on Friday

Michael van Gerwen will miss the UK Open, which starts on Friday, after failing to recover from a back injury.

The 27-year-old did not play in round five of the Premier League in Exeter on Thursday in the hope of being fit to play in the three-day tournament.

Van Gerwen, the PDC world champion and world number one, was hoping to win a third successive UK title in Minehead.

His withdrawal means that one player who reaches the third round will receive a bye to round four.

As a result of Van Gerwen's injury, Dave Chisnall played two Premier League fixtures in Exeter, while the Dutchman will now play twice in Manchester on 23 March.