Gary Anderson has withdrawn from the Unibet World Grand Prix to stay at home ahead of the impending birth of his second child with partner Rachel.
The world number two, who lost 5-2 to Michael van Gerwen in last year’s final in Dublin, was due to face debutant Richard North in the first round on Monday evening.
However, it was confirmed shortly before the start of play on Sunday that the second seed had withdrawn, electing to instead remain at his Somerset home.
Under PDC Rule 3.7, the Scot has been replaced by the next non-qualified player from the PDC Order of Merit, from which Anderson had qualified, meaning Webster takes his place in the draw bracket.
The world number 24 reached the semi-finals of the World Grand Prix on his most recent appearance in the double-start event two years ago, and also made a run to the quarter-finals on his debut back in 2011.
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