Three-time PDC World Darts Championship quarter-finalist Vincent van der Voort has withdrawn from the upcoming MODUS Super Series, citing persistent neck and back issues. The 49-year-old Dutchman, a fan favorite on the darts circuit, had been scheduled to compete in the invitational event but pulled out at the last minute.
“I can still throw, but I can’t keep it up for long,” Van der Voort told Sportnieuws.nl. “Because of that, I don’t feel like I can win — and if I don’t feel competitive, there’s no point in playing.”
This marks yet another setback in what has been a difficult year for Van der Voort, who has battled recurring health problems since stepping away from the PDC Tour in early 2024. Earlier this year, he was forced to withdraw from the 2025 World Seniors Darts Championship at the iconic Circus Tavern just 24 hours before his first-round match against Neil Duff, also due to medical reasons.
World Seniors Darts Chairman Jason Francis offered support at the time, saying:
“Everyone at WSD’s thoughts go out to Vincent, and we thank everyone for their understanding of the situation. Health is paramount, and we wish Vincent all the best. We hope to see him in a WSD tournament very soon.”
Related News
Van der Voort’s absence handed Duff a walkover into the second round, adding to the Dutchman’s frustrating run of missed appearances. Gout — a long-standing issue — has sidelined him on several occasions, including a planned appearance at the MODUS Super Series back in January.
Having relinquished his PDC Tour Card in 2024 amid health concerns and personal loss — notably the death of his sister after a long illness — Van der Voort has remained on the fringes of the sport. He played at the 2024 Dutch Open in Assen alongside his son Kevin and has participated in various exhibition events. However, his ongoing physical challenges have prevented a full return.
“I’m working with a physiotherapist to try and fix it,” he said. “Hopefully it improves, but right now it’s just not possible to compete at the level I want to.”
While he won’t take to the oche, Van der Voort will still be present at the MODUS Super Series — this time in a different role. He’s set to join the English-language commentary team during finals week, a position that allows him to remain close to the sport he’s been part of for over two decades.
“I’m not worried about it,” he added. “I won’t be alone, and if it doesn’t go well, they can just send me home after a day — that’s fine by me.”
