World number two Luke Humphries has pulled out of the European Championship in Germany because of gastroenteritis.

Humphries was coming into the tournament on the back of winning the World Grand Prix prior to reaching the final of the Swiss Darts Trophy final, which he lost to Jonny Clayton.

Kim Huybrechts will come in as a replacement as the Belgian is the highest-ranked player from the 2026 European Tour rankings who had not qualified.

Huybrechts will face Ryan Searle when the European Championship starts in Dortmund on Thursday, while Gerwyn Price will play Rob Cross and defending champion Gian van Veen will take on Andrew Gilding among the night’s eight matches.

World number one and PDC world champion Luke Littler will start his challenge on Friday with a match against William O’Connor.

Round one (18:00 BST)

Luke Woodhouse v Dirk van Duijvenbode

Danny Noppert v Stephen Bunting

Niels Zonneveld v Cameron Menzies

Gerwyn Price v Rob Cross

James Wade v Damon Heta

Kim Huybrechts v Ryan Searle

Gian van Veen v Andrew Gilding

Ross Smith v Karel Sedlacek