World Series of Darts 2017 #1: US Darts Masters

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GERWYN PRICE will replace Adrian Lewis for the World Series of Darts events in Shanghai and Las Vegas next month, with four of the Asian Representatives for the Shanghai Darts Masters also confirmed.

Former Auckland Darts Masters champion Lewis had been due to compete in both of July's World Series of Darts events as he bids for further glory on the international stage.

However, with his wife expecting a baby this summer the two-time World Champion has withdrawn from the two events, and will be replaced by emerging star Price.

The Welshman made his World Series of Darts debut in the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters last month, overcoming James Wade before losing in the semi-finals to Michael van Gerwen.

The runner-up in March's Coral UK Open, Price also won through to the final at the Betway World Cup of Darts last weekend alongside Mark Webster.

"Gerwyn is enjoying a brilliant year and is really establishing himself on the world stage," said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.

"His performances in the last year, especially at the UK Open, Dubai Darts Masters and World Cup of Darts and in winning his first ranking events, show that he deserves his place in the elite."

Price will complete the eight PDC Representatives in each of the two World Series of Darts events next month, with Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, Peter Wright, Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld also appearing in both tournaments.

James Wade and Dave Chisnall will compete in Shanghai, while Daryl Gurney and Max Hopp are in line for their World Series of Darts debuts in the PDC U.S. Masters in Las Vegas.

The Shanghai Darts Masters will also feature four Chinese qualifiers as well as Singapore's Paul Lim, Japan's Haruki Muramatsu, Hong Kong's Royden Lam and South Korea's HyunChul Park.

The PDC U.S. Masters in Las Vegas will see the eight American and Canadian players who qualify for the North American Championship on July 13 also compete in the World Series of Darts event against the eight PDC Representatives on July 14-15.