Michael van Gerwen announces split from wife and withdraws from darts tournaments in heartbreaking statement
The three-time world champion has announced that he has split from his wife Daphne, with the Dutchman withdrawing from upcoming tournaments
Darts legend Michael van Gerwen has taken to social media to announce his separation from wife Daphne in a heart-wrenching statement.
The couple, who tied the knot in 2014, are experiencing a marital break up. The Dutchman tweeted on Saturday: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Daphne and I have decided to end our relationship.
"As a result, I have withdrawn from the upcoming tournaments.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 that you respect our privacy during this difficult time."
Van Gerwen and Daphne started dating in 2008, got married in the Netherlands in 2014 – the same year he clinched his maiden world title.
Together, they've raised two young children; their daughter was born in August 2017 with a son joining the family in April 2020.
Daphne, who was a hairdresser previously, is often seen backing Van Gerwen at his matches around the globe.
Van Gerwen's announcement comes amid recent setbacks in his darts career, having unexpectedly missed out on qualifying for the Premier League Darts playoffs.
Adding to concerns, opponent Nathan Aspinall noted an apparent change in Van Gerwen's demeanour at their last encounter, expressing post-match on Thursday: "There was a lot of emotion after walking off stage. I had to take myself away."
Aspinall, who had praised Van Gerwen throughout the week, sensed something was off, saying, "I spoke so highly of Michael all week and go and win tonight. I don't know what is going on but he didn't look himself again. Even on that stage, he was giving up."
Darts legend Wayne Mardle offered a sympathetic view, stating: "I feel for Michael, The man is a champion, a winner. It is only the second time he has not made the play-offs. He has said it, he has not been good enough at times."
Mardle continued, "I don't know how he feels within, he has just looked off. To not have won a week, he won four last year, that is a real blow for him.
"He started the season as the third favourite, behind the Lukes, but it all took a turn for the worse. I'm not sure how severe the injury was, but since missing Berlin, he hasn't quite been himself, in my opinion."
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