Darts star Sandro Eric Sosing rushed to hospital after withdrawing from World Championship minutes before match

A FILIPINO darts player was taken to hospital after experiencing chest pains during his practice throws.

Sandro Eric Sosing was due to face Englishman Ian White in the first round of the PDC World Darts Championship on Friday afternoon.

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Yet he fell ill backstage at Ally Pally and required medical assessment.

It was then decided that he should withdraw from the competition and was taken to a nearby hospital — while White received a bye.

But under tournament rules, Sosing will NOT receive his £7,500 first-round cash.

The PDC rulebook says that “a player who qualifies for a main event but does not then participate in that event is not eligible for prize money awarded”.

The thrower from Tabontabon, 41, qualified for the Worlds for a second year in a row – he lost to Lee Evans 12 months ago – after finishing as runner-up in the Asian Championship.

White, 54, now plays Basildon’s Ritchie Edhouse in the second round on Sunday afternoon and has a minimum £15,000 to his name.

MC John McDonald explained to the crowd what had happened, saying: “Sosing has been taken to hospital and we will keep you posted on that.

“Unfortunately this match will not take place.

“Therefore our next match and final match this afternoon will be (Stephen) Bunting versus (Kai) Gotthardt.”

A PDC spokesperson said: “Sandro Eric Sosing has withdrawn from his match with Ian White on medical grounds.

“Sosing reported chest pains whilst practicing and following an on site assessment by medical staff he has been taken for further treatment.”

Wessel Nijman, one of the tournament favourites, came through a thrilling last-leg decider with South African Cameron Carolissen.

The Dutchman – who once served a two-and-a-half-year ban for match fixing – threw his dart into the oche in celebration after winning 3-2 and had to pick it out of the carpeted surface.

SunSport understands he will not be fined or punished for his dangerous celebration but officials may remind him of his responsibilities with a quiet word in his ear.

Stephen Bunting had musician Ed Sheeran – who was downing the beers in the VIP section – “Going Bunting Mental” as he beat debutant Kai Gotthardt 3-1.

But the former Lakeside world champion was fortunate the distraught German missed three darts to go 2-0 up in the second-round tie.