Rob Cross has pulled out of the Dutch Darts Championship just hours before the start of the event.

The former world champion announced on Thursday that he would not be competing in Maastricht and will return to the UK due to ‘personal reasons’. 

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Cross was tipped to challenge for the title having found his rhythm of late however, the 16th seed will not be at the oche this weekend.

‘Voltage’ said on Instagram: "I had just arrived in Maastricht. But unfortunately I’ve had to pull out of the tournament and return back home due to personal reasons. Apologies to the PDC Europe and all the fans."

Cross was set to feature in Saturday’s afternoon session against either Ricardo Pietreczko or Dutch qualifier Heine Uuldriks.

The 36-year-old  is expected to return to action for the European Championship in Dortmund next weekend.

Cross has scooped a cool £54,000 on the European Tour Order of Merit, currently leaving him in 19th place.

Irishman Brendan Dolan has been called up to replace Cross and will enter in the second round.

Dolan will feature in just his third European Tour event this year and will hope to make his mark in the Netherlands.

Why is Luke Littler not competing at the event?

Meanwhile, world number one Luke Littler will also miss the event.

‘The Nuke’ has regularly spoken of his intention to boycott events due to the hostility he receives from fans.

Littler has often been a target for the boo boys, particularly in Germany and the Netherlands and has taken action ahead of this weekend’s competition.

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"If the Dutch stay like this, then I'm not going to do any Euro Tours over there," Littler said last month.

"There's just no point in me travelling, wasting my time whilst I'm getting booed. 

“I just want to play my darts, obviously sign autographs and stuff. Because the past two nights I've done nothing. I've just walked off stage, not thanked anyone."

The teen sensation missed two Players Championship events in the Netherlands in September.

However, should he compete in Dortmund next week, Littler could complete the incredible feat of winning all 10 PDC premier events as a teenager.

Littler has won everything except for the European Championship where he was knocked out in the last 16 a year ago.