The field for this week’s two Players Championship events in Den Bosch has been confirmed, with a significant number of players once again withdrawing. Players Championship 31 and 32 are scheduled for Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29, and with only four floor events remaining, these are among the final chances for players to qualify for the Players Championship Finals. But, as has often been the case this year, several of the world’s top players have decided not to travel to the Netherlands.

Luke Littler’s absence in Den Bosch was already known, but other leading players, including Jonny Clayton, Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price, Josh Rock, Gary Anderson, Ross Smith and Stephen Bunting, have also opted out of the double-header. Rob Cross, Yorick Hofkens, Martin Lukeman, Kai Gotthardt, Rusty-Jake Rodriguez, Ryan Joyce, Pascal Rupprecht, Ryan Searle and Luke Woodhouse will also be absent.

It now also looks certain that Littler will not feature at the Players Championship Finals. The reigning world champion has played only two floor events this year, earning £10,500 in prize money and sitting 126th in the Players Championship Order of Merit. To make the major, he would need to compete in and win both Players Championship 33 and 34 at next week’s final double-header in Leicester.

Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson will also need to play in the final two events in Leicester if they are to qualify for the finals. Price sits 51st with £34,000, just £4,750 ahead of Mike De Decker, who occupies 64th place. Anderson is 62nd, with only £500 more than the Belgian. Josh Rock is 76th, outside the top 64, and could also miss the Players Championship Finals.

Van Barneveld and Aspinall face a crucial test

Nathan Aspinall and Raymond van Barneveld are among the players outside the top 64 who will be competing in Den Bosch this week. Aspinall’s uncertain qualification stands out in particular. ‘The Asp’ has also skipped several events this year, leaving him 74th with £26,500. He will need a number of strong results across the final four events to secure his place.

It is perhaps less surprising that Raymond van Barneveld has yet to qualify, but he still has a chance. With £23,350, he is 84th, £6,000 behind De Decker. The Dutchman will need at least two deep runs to keep his hopes of qualification alive. Whether that is realistic remains to be seen. ‘Barney’ has played almost every event so far but has reached the quarter-finals only once. That came at the most recent event, however, suggesting the five-time world champion may be finding form.

The withdrawals give other players another chance to test themselves against the top names. Henry Coates, Joe Hunt, Tommy Morris, Daniel Klose, Tommy Lishman, Steve Lennon, Patrik Williams, Nathan Potter, Martijn Dragt, Kevin Burness, Scott Waites, Lewis Pride, Gilbert van der Meijden, James Beeton, Radek Szaganski, Stef Kosters and Levy Frauenfelder will take the places of those who are absent.

Players Championship 31-32 field