Kelly Deckers/PDC

'It’s just not possible to compete' – Van der Voort pulls out of another event as hopes of MODUS Super Series debut stall

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Aug 6, 2025 12:00 PM ET

Vincent van der Voort’s much-anticipated return to competitive darts has been delayed once again, with the Dutchman forced to withdraw from next week’s MODUS Super Series due to ongoing physical issues.

The 49-year-old, a three-time PDC World Darts Championship quarter-finalist, had been scheduled to appear in the invitational series but has pulled out at the last minute, citing persistent neck and back problems. It’s the latest in a string of setbacks for the popular Dutchman, who has battled with health issues since stepping away from the PDC circuit in early 2024.

“I can still throw, but I can’t keep it up for long,” Van der Voort told Sportnieuws.nl. “Because of that, I don’t feel like I can win — and if I don’t feel competitive, there’s no point in playing.”

Earlier this year, Van der Voort was also forced to pull out of the 2025 World Seniors Darts Championship on medical grounds. The former world number 10 had been due to make his debut at the over-45s event, held at the iconic Circus Tavern, but withdrew less than 24 hours before his scheduled first-round clash with Neil Duff.

In a statement at the time, World Seniors Darts Chairman Jason Francis said: “Everyone at WSD’s thoughts go out to Vincent, and we thank everyone for their understanding of the situation.

Health is paramount, and we wish Vincent all the best. We hope to see him in a WSD tournament very soon.”

Van der Voort’s absence handed Duff a bye through to the second round, continuing a frustrating year for the Dutchman. Gout has been a long-standing issue, ruling him out of competition on multiple occasions — including a previously planned MODUS Super Series appearance in January.

Although he relinquished his PDC Tour Card last year following persistent health concerns and personal loss — including the passing of his sister after a long illness — Van der Voort has remained active on the periphery of the sport. He featured at the 2024 Dutch Open in Assen, playing alongside his son Kevin, and appeared in several exhibition events.

Still, physical setbacks continue to hamper any hopes of a sustained return. “I’m working with a physiotherapist to try and fix it,” he added. “Hopefully it improves, but right now it’s just not possible to compete at the level I want to.”

While he won’t be competing in the MODUS Super Series, Van der Voort will still be involved in a different capacity. He’s set to provide English-language commentary during finals week — a role that keeps him connected to the game he’s been part of for over two decades. “I’m not worried about it,” he said. “I won’t be alone, and if it doesn’t go well, they can just send me home after a day — that’s fine by me.”