WADE TO MISS CAZOO PREMIER LEAGUE'S SHEFFIELD VISIT

James Wade will not compete in Thursday's Cazoo Premier League at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield on Thursday as he continues his recovery from illness.

Wade spent three nights in hospital in Germany after becoming ill during the Interwetten European Darts Open on Sunday evening.

The 39-year-old withdrew following a quarter-final win in Leverkusen, and following medical checks at the Ostermann-Arena was taken to a local hospital.

He underwent tests on Monday and Tuesday before being cleared to return home to the UK on Wednesday.

"I'd like to thank all the medical staff for their care over the past few days and also to all the fans around the world who have sent messages of support," said Wade.

"Now that I'm home, I'll be taking time to recover fully before returning to playing when the time is right."

Under Premier League tournament rules, Wade's intended quarter-final opponent in Sheffield on Thursday, Joe Cullen, is awarded a 6-0 win and progresses into the semi-finals, where he will play Gary Anderson or Gerwyn Price.