Michael van Gerwen has pulled out of night nine of the Premier League after suffering an injury.
An announcement was made about the Dutch darts star's condition just moments before the action got underway in Berlin on Thursday night.
Less than half an hour away from the opening match of the night, it was revealed that Van Gerwen had suffered a shoulder injury.
It means that the three-time world champion cannot take part in what would have been the first night of action not in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland this year.
Michael van Gerwen has pulled out of Premier League action on Thursday night
Reuters
Van Gerwen had been scheduled to face Gerwyn Price, who wil now receive a bye to the semi-finals under tournament rules.
It will also mean that the Welshman is awarded two league points and a plus-one leg difference.
MVG, meanwhile, will receive no league points and a brutal negative-six leg difference - the maximum amount of legs.
Speaking on Sky Sports, former darts player Mark Webster said: "Really disappointing for Michael. He has withdrawn tonight.
"I hope it's nothing serious, that he gets sufficient rest and he's back in Manchester next week.
"A bonus for Gerwyn. But for Michael, everyone in this crowd and watching at home, it's a shame because he's box office."
Going into Night Nine in Berlin, Van Gerwen really could have done with a decent showing to solidify a top-four spot.
After 16 nights of Premier League action, the top four will go into the play-offs where the winner will be crowned champion.
Michael van Gerwen suffered a shoulder injury and has pulled out of Night Nine
PAMVG sits third currently, though only a point ahead of Price - who will jump above him no matter what - and Rob Cross, who takes on Luke Humphries in the quarter-final.
Nathan Aspinall is only two points the Green Machine, making up a congested part of the table where everything is up for grabs.
Luke Littler, meanwhile, sits rosy at the top with 26 points - eight ahead of second-placed Luke Humphries on 18.
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Gerwyn Price received a bye after Michael van Gerwen pulled out
PAMVG has yet to win a Premier League night this season but remains dedicated to reclaiming his crown despite Littler and Humphries' domination.
No one has more Premier League titles than the 35-year-old, who has won the competition seven times.
Manchester will host Premier League Night Ten on April 10.
