Fans are taken aback by the replacement of Michael van Gerwen with Peter Wright for the Bahrain Masters.

The PDC has chosen eight players to face off against eight talents from the Asian Circuit in Doha next week.

Michael van Gerwen will miss the Bahrain Masters

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Michael van Gerwen will miss the Bahrain MastersCredit: Alamy
Peter Wright has been called up as his replacement

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Peter Wright has been called up as his replacementCredit: Getty
Fans are disappointed Mike de Decker did not get the call-up

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Fans are disappointed Mike de Decker did not get the call-upCredit: Getty

World Champion Luke Littler will participate in the event, alongside world No. 1 Luke Humphries.

Despite this, Van Gerwen will not be there due to family commitments.

A PDC statement mentioned: “The newly crowned World Champion Littler and world number one Humphries are prepared to lead the 2025 Bahrain Darts Masters next week, with the 16-player lineup now confirmed.”

“Two-time World Champion Peter Wright completes the eight-player PDC lineup, as Van Gerwen is unable to participate due to family obligations.”

World No. 12 Wright has been selected to fill Van Gerwen’s spot, even though he has had a challenging tour year.

Although Wright hasn’t secured any titles, he did manage to defeat Humphries on his way to the World Darts Championship quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, some fans feel Wright doesn’t deserve this chance, insisting that Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker should have been picked instead, particularly after being excluded from the Premier League lineup.

One fan expressed: “What must Mike De Decker do to gain recognition? Average 140? Score 3 back-to-back 9-darters? He’s a major winner and should be given more respect than Peter Wright getting another chance…”

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Another commented: “Is that really Peter Wright I see? In this day and age?”

A third chimed in: “So De Decker isn’t deemed ready for the World Series either? Surely he should be next in line after the Premier players?”

Luke Littler sets an incredible World Championship record with a stunning final victory over Michael Van Gerwen