DENNIS PRIESTLEY has withdrawn from day two of the Championship League Darts, meaning a change in some groups for the event.
Priestley is undergoing radiotherapy treatment during September as a part of his recovery from prostate cancer surgery.
He had been due to enter the new Championship League Darts event at the Group Two stage on Wednesday, but has now withdrawn from the September dates of the event.
As a result, some players have been handed the opportunity to participate at an earlier stage of the tournament, with Mervyn King stepping in to play on Wednesday as the highest placed eligible player who was able to play in Group Three.
Vincent van der Voort moves up to play in Group Four, with Andy Jenkins and Mark Walsh also coming into the tournament a day earlier than originally scheduled.
Priestley is expected to return for Group Seven on Tuesday October 21.
Championship League Darts will be available to watch solely on the internet through www.ladbrokes.com and www.bet365.com.
Championship League Darts Group
Group One - Tuesday September 2
Phil Taylor
James Wade
Terry Jenkins
Wayne Mardle
Andy Hamilton
Roland Scholten
Colin Lloyd
Alan Tabern
Click here for Group One fixtures
Group Two - Wednesday September 3
Players 2-6 from Group One plus
Ronnie Baxter
Kevin Painter
Mervyn King
Group Three - Monday September 22
Players 2-6 from Group Two plus
Adrian Lewis
Colin Osborne
Denis Ovens
Group Four - Tuesday September 23
Players 2-6 from Group Three plus
Peter Manley
Mark Dudbridge
Vincent van der Voort
Group Five - Wednesday September 24
Players 2-6 from Group Four plus
Chris Mason
Kirk Shepherd
Andy Jenkins
Group Six - Thursday September 25
Players 2-6 from Group Five plus
Barrie Bates
Andy Smith
Mark Walsh
Group Seven - Tuesday October 21
Players 2-6 from Group Six plus
Dennis Priestley
Adrian Gray
Wayne Jones
Group Eight - Wednesday October 22
Players 2-6 from Group Seven plus
Mick McGowan
Alex Roy
Wes Newton
Winners Group - Thursday October 23
All eight group winners
Please Note - should Phil Taylor, James Wade or Wayne Mardle finish from 2-6 in Group Five, they would not be able to compete in Group Six due to their commitments in the Emperors Palace South African Masters. Therefore, if needed, Adrian Gray, Wayne Jones and Mick McGowan (in that order of invitation) would be invited to compete in Group Six in their place and the invitations for Group Seven and Group Eight may be affected accordingly.