Gerwyn Price reveals reason behind shock late withdrawal from Luke Littler clash at Hungarian Darts Trophy

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Littler was given bye to the semi-finals after Price pulled out

GERWYN PRICE has revealed his shock withdrawal from the Hungarian Darts Trophy was due to a sickness bug.

The Welsh darts star was due to face off against Luke Littler in the quarter-finals in Budapest on Sunday in what was a highly-anticipated match.

But Price pulled out on medical grounds, with Littler receiving a bye to the semi-finals.

It was unclear what exact condition the 40-year-old was struggling with, but he has now opened up about feeling "really ill" in the build-up to his clash.

In a post on social media, 'The Ice Man' said he might have caught a "24 hour bug".

He said: "Not sure if I caught a 24hr bug but that's what I'm hoping and it doesn't hang around.

"Was really ill all day Sunday, hopefully it goes today. Thanks everyone for the messages."

It comes just weeks after Price was admitted into hospital with a hand injury.

Price had shared a picture of his hand looking swollen as he wrote a caption saying: "Just what I didn't want, back to the hospital it is."

He later took a picture of himself sitting with a drip in his arm, adding: "Not a bed in sight."

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By withdrawing from the Hungarian Darts Trophy, Price missed out on a potential £30,000 prize pot.

He guaranteed himself £6,000 after reaching the quarter-finals, while Littler pocketed £8,000 for reaching the semi-finals despite not playing.

Littler ended up losing to Danny Noppert in the last four after a 7-4 defeat.

But he was gracious in defeat as he posted a statement on social media.

He said: "Another weekend on the road and made it to the semi finals.

"Want to thank everyone who came to Budapest to support time to head home."

The 18-year-old surprised fans this week after claiming he would take a "step back" from darts.

A clip shows the youngster saying: "It will shock some people that I'm taking a step back.

"It's not been an easy decision. Now I want to focus on something that I really love."

But it turns out the teenager was pulling a publicity stunt for EA FC and Xbox.