Michael van Gerwen and wife split up after darts star 'gave up' on stage
Michael van Gerwen and wife split up after darts star 'gave up' on stage
Dutchman Michael van Gerwen has withdrawn from upcoming darts tournaments after confirming he and his wife, Daphne Govers, have split up, deciding to end their 11-year marriage
Michael van Gerwen has announced a split from his wife, Daphne Govers
(Image: Getty Images )
Michael van Gerwen has announced he and his wife, Daphne Govers, have sadly separated.
The 36-year-old darts sensation was due to take part in the Elden Safety Shoes Dutch Darts Championship on Saturday evening, but ultimately withdrew from his first round fixture with Mickey Mansell, giving the Northern Irishman a bye. And as the PDC announced Van Gerwen's withdrawal from the tournament, the Dutchman was quick to explain his reasoning as he prepares for a short hiatus from the sport.
In a statement, he said: "It is with great sadness that I announce that Daphne and I have decided to end our relationship. As a result I have decided to withdraw from the upcoming tournaments.
"I am sorry to disappoint my fans, but I trust that they will understand my decision. We are facing a difficult time and ask everyone to respect our privacy during this period."
Van Gerwen and Daphne initially started dating in 2008, before tying the knot in 2014 and going on to welcome two children together in Zoe and Mike. Now, after 11 years of matrimony, the two are set to go their separate ways.
It comes after Nathan Aspinall noticed a change in his opponent during their clash in the Premier League quarter-finals in Sheffield on Thursday evening.
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Aspinall needed a win over Van Gerwen to ensure that he would be at London's O2 for the final, while MVG needed to beat the Asp and win all night to take the fourth spot in the tournament.
Michael van Gerwen and his wife Daphne
(Image: Michael van Gerwen/Instagram )
In remarkable fashion, Aspinall was able to engineer a comfortable 6-2 win over the three-time world champion, who looked dejected as he stepped up to the oche.
And Aspinall spotted that Van Gerwen was off the pace for one reason or another on the night, telling Sky Sports: "There was a lot of emotion after walking off stage.
"I had to take myself away. I spoke so highly of Michael all week and go and win tonight.
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"I don't know what is going on but he didn't look himself again. Even on that stage, he was giving up."
Meanwhile, Van Gerwen's close friend, Vincent van der Voort told AD of the performance: "I don't see someone who wants to win at all costs. [Luke] Littler and [Luke] Humphries are really not better, but at the moment they are.
"He should not accept that." As a result of the fixture, Aspinall will go on to face Humphries at the O2 on Finals Night, while Littler will face Gerwyn Price.
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