Darts sensation Fallon Sherrock has withdrawn from the upcoming Women's World Championship after the prize money was slashed.
Sherrock took the darts world by storm last year when she became the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Championships, beating Ted Evetts and Mensur Suljovic.
She was set to be the main attraction at the women-only-event, which runs alongside the men-only event, starting this weekend.
Her absence casts major doubt on whether the competition will even take place, with players warned to expect an empty arena.
British Darts Organisation chairman Des Jacklin said they had failed to secure a sponsor and income was down 85 percent on predictions, so the women's winner's prize was expected to be cut from NZ$39,358 to $15,743.
A statement from the 25-year-old's management company said: "Fallon Sherlock has decided not to take part in the BDO Women's World Championship next week.
"The decision considered many factors, including unexpected changes to the event made yesterday. Fallon offers best wishes to the BDO and best of luck to those taking part. In the meantime Fallon is looking forward to doing her best in the other tournaments in 2020."
The PDC has offered her an invitation to each of the World Series events in the 2020 season. She will compete in the USA, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.
