PDC World Darts Championship: Dave Chisnall withdraws after testing positive for Covid-19

Dave Chisnall has become the third player to withdraw from the World Darts Championship following a positive test for Covid-19.

Welsh defending champion Gerwyn Price said on social media that the tournament "needs to be postponed".

Englishman Chisnall, 41, had been set to play compatriot Luke Humphries - who will receive a bye to the last 16.

"I am obviously gutted and upset, but am back at home isolating. Stay safe and take care," said Chisnall.

Three-time champion Michael van Gerwen and fellow Dutch player Vincent van der Voort have also withdrawn this week.

Price said he felt the tournament had been "devalued" following Van Gerwen's withdrawal on Tuesday, adding: "I'd rather play the best to be the best, absolutely feel sick for these players having to pull out over Covid."

The 36-year-old followed up his initial message on Instagram on Wednesday to clarify his call for the tournament to be postponed.

"I've been in their position, so I feel for the players that have had to withdraw," said Price.

"There's a lot of hard work gone into getting events like the World Championship on, so postponing probably isn't the best option - but an option I wouldn't disagree with."

Soutar and Rydz secure progress

Wednesday afternoon's session continued with two third-round matches at London's Alexandra Palace, as Jose de Sousa faced Alan Soutar and Nathan Aspinall played Callan Rydz.

Soutar combines playing darts with his job as a firefighter - and returned to work after his second-round win over Mensur Suljovic, before coming back to take on De Sousa.

And the Scot beat the world number seven, of Portugal, 4-3, sealing his victory with a 136 checkout.

Rydz was in impressive form as he dominated 10th seed Aspinall on the way to a 4-0 win and the 23-year-old is yet to drop a set at the tournament this year.