Kyle Anderson withdraws from Players Championship Finals due to VISA issues!

Australian ace Kyle Anderson has been forced to withdraw from next weekend’s Players Championship Finals in Minehead due to his ongoing VISA issues. ‘The Original’ does not currently hold a valid VISA and is therefore unable to travel to the United Kingdom to compete in next week’s event.

Kyle’s sponsors, ‘The Sportsman Management Company’ released a statement late on Sunday evening confirming the news: “Unfortunately Kyle has had to withdraw from next week’s Players Championships Finals in Minehead due to continued problems obtaining his visa.

“We have applied for a Tier 2 Sports Visa but at the moment darts is not recognised as a sport and this is the only obstacle stopping the process, although it is now at a very advanced stage.

“Kyle would like to place on record his thanks to the PDC, BDO, DRA, DPA and the Home Office for their continued support and also every person who has sent him good luck messages; he is truly overwhelmed. During this break Kyle is spending quality time back in Rockhampton, Australia, with his lovely wife and son, Tara and Charles.”

Anderson was originally seeded 23rd in Minehead, based on his performances throughout the twenty Players Championship events that took place this year. Kyle reached the semi-finals of the second Players Championship event of 2016 in Barnsley, whilst he also reached a further quarter-final in May.

It’s been a real breakthrough year for the Australian, who has also reached his first two TV ranking quarter-finals. Kyle was beaten by his stablemate Jelle Klaasen in the UK Open quarter-finals, whilst he was defeated by world number five Peter Wright in the last eight of last month’s European Championship.

‘The Original’ also represented Australia at the World Cup of Darts alongside Simon Whitlock earlier this year. The pair were beaten by the Dutch duo Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld in a pulsating quarter-final tussle, but Kyle’s performance in that tie only enhanced his growing reputation in the game.

This will be a bitter blow for Anderson, as his consistent performances on the Pro Tour merited a spot at Minehead, although his main concern will be obtaining his VISA ahead of next month’s World Championships. Anderson’s replacement for next weekend’s event is expected to be confirmed by the PDC in the coming days.

Photo Credit: Lawrence Lustig/PDC