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Daily Record
4 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Emotional Michael van Gerwen bares his soul amid divorce as darts legend feels a change deep within
Dutch hero talks life priorities and darts aims as he works back his to his peak Honest Michael van Gerwen insists he can make steps as he battles through difficult off-stage issues. The Dutch darts star faces Josh Rock in the second-round of the Betfred World Matchplay on Wednesday night having started his title bid with a win over Raymond van Barneveld. Van Gerwen didn't the heights against his countryman, but opened up afterwards on how his life has been impacted in recent times. It's known the 36-year-old is working through a split from wife Daphne, but he also revealed his father underwent surgery last week due to cancer. Van Gerwen, who has his daughter with him in Blackpool, admitted he wasn't at his best, but explained: 'We all know where I'm coming from. It's not rocket science. I didn't play a lot of tournaments in the last few months. Now it feels like you have to start from scratch and that makes it hard for myself. 'My life is totally different. My dad had an operation last week. Of course, I'm in the middle of a divorce, but for the rest, I feel good. I feel more calm now and I think from here on, I can make steps. 'I'm going to take whatever is possible to do as well as I can. And afterwards I go on holiday. Towards September, October, I need to be fully ready. That's the way it is. When something comes, everything comes together. That's not a nice thing, but unfortunately, that's life. 'What can I expect for myself? Darts moves on and doesn't stop for anyone. Not even for me, not for Phil Taylor, for no one. Simple as that. First rounds of tournaments are always tough. Now with me having a day off, I can relax a little bit more, spend some time with my daughter because she's here with me for the first time and I really enjoy that. 'My priority changed the moment my kids were born. You can say whatever they want, it's fact and it changed people's lives, especially if you look to every sports people around the world, when they have children, things change and it's life. If you look to anyone else around the world, whatever their passion is, their job is, if you ask them what comes first, it's always their children and it's also the same with me.' Van Gerwen knows his past achievements count for nothing as he said: 'If you want to have any warranty, you need to buy a washing machine or something, you know what I mean? It doesn't mean anything what you did in the last few years, you have to do it now. 'It's a longer project, From last May until now, a lot has been going on and not the nicest things, but it's how life goes. I put the ladder so high for myself as well in the previous years, but I can handle it, I'm a big boy and I love what I do, I love performing and when you don't play well, people can shoot at me, and when I play well, I like people to cheer for me. That's the way how darts is, simple as that. 'It's not only about practise at home. It's everything together, how you think, how you believe, how you act, the energy you have to show. The total package has to be right. You need to give yourself the time and people have to give you the time as well. 'Sometimes it's difficult because I know what I'm capable of. When I'm trying to put on the gas too much, you're going to get thrown back, so you need to make sure you take your time. 'You need to win more games on the highest level and then things will develop for myself. I know that, but I need to give myself the time.'
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
World Matchplay Darts: Full Tuesday schedule as Gary Anderson and Stephen Bunting clash
James Wade and Luke Humphries' slayer are also on a tasty Tuesday card in Blackpool for the second biggest tournament in the sport In-form Gary Anderson is back and firing as he looks to win a second Betfred World Matchplay title. The Scottish star goes head-to-head with Stephen Bunting in a brilliant second-round tie which headlines Tuesday's darts action. Anderson has this week already hit out at the "boring" young darts stars who lack the banter of the big beasts from yesteryear. But back to the action. Blackpool has already seen some major names go out of the £800,000 event with Luke Humphries ' first-game exit a stunner. Seeds such as Rob Cross and Dave Chisnall have followed Cool Hand out of the door leaving Luke Littler as the strong title favourite. Tuesday four ties sees multiple World Champions take to the stage and Record Sport takes you through the quartet of crackerjack encounters. Sit back, strap yourselves in and enjoy! SCHEDULE OF PLAY (7PM) Gian Van Veen vs Danny Noppert Van Veen dethroned reigning champion Humphries on the opening night. The World No.1 was bidding to become the fourth player in World Matchplay history to retain the iconic Phil Taylor Trophy, but the young Dutchman had too many guns and an out a 10-8 winner to register his first victory at the venue. Noppert had an easier passage as he dispatched an out-of-sorts Cameron Menzies, racing into a 7-0 lead before wrapping up a comprehensive 10-2 success. The pair were partners for Netheherlands at last month's World Cup. Wessel Nijman v James Wade Nijman delivered a nerveless display on his World Matchplay debut fending off a valiant mid-game fightback from Nathan Aspinall. The Dutch kid's surprise win over the Stockport star set-up a huge clash with 2007 champion Wade, who reaffirmed his title credentials in a 10-3 demolition of 2023 semi-finalist Joe Cullen. Wade, featuring in his 20th consecutive World Matchplay campaign, recorded his highest ever average on the Winter Gardens stage averaging almost 105. Stephen Bunting vs Gary Anderson Anderson made a sprint for the finish in his clash against Luke Woodhouse rattling off five legs on the spin from 5-5 to set up a blockbuster showdown with fourth seed Bunting. The Scotsman struggled for fluency in the opening exchanges, although he produced a masterclass on the outer ring, pinning 67 percent of his attempts at double to get his title tilt underway. Bunting, who overcame a sluggish start to see off Ryan Joyce for the second straight year in round one. The Scouser required a tie-break to topple Joyce 12 months ago, but, despite surrendering an 8-4 cushion, the World No.4 responded with a brilliant 11-darter to advance. Jonny Clayton vs Mike De Decker Clayton, who was runner-up in 2023, defied a 103 average from Martin Schindler to extend the German's winless run in Blackpool, rounding off a clinical display to wrap up a 10-7 success. De Decker celebrated his first victory on the Winter Gardens stage converting back-to-back 104 and 148 checkouts to complete a 10-7 victory over five-time quarter-finalist Chisnall. The World Grand Prix champion trailed 7-6 at one stage before rattling off four successive legs to set up his meeting with fifth-seed Clayton. Remaining schedule Wednesday July 23 (7pm) Second Round x4 - Match Order TBC Littler v Wattimena Gilding v Van Duijvenbode Van Gerwen v Rock Dobey v Price Thursday July 24 (8pm) Quarter-Finals x2 Friday July 25 (8pm) Quarter-Finals x2 Saturday July 26 (8pm) Semi-Finals Sunday July 27 Afternoon Session (1pm) Betfred Women's World Matchplay Quarter-Finals Beau Greaves v Kirsi Viinikainen Lisa Ashton v Robyn Byrne Noa-Lynn van Leuven v Lorraine Winstanley Fallon Sherrock v Gemma Hayter Semi-Finals Greaves/Viinikainen v Ashton/Byrne Van Leuven/Winstanley v Sherrock/Hayter Final Evening Session (8pm) Betfred World Matchplay Final WHERE TO WATCH: The Betfred World Matchplay will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK & Ireland, through the PDC's worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Luke Littler hammers Ryan Searle at World Matchplay
Littler, the second seed at Blackpool's Winter Gardens, looked like a man in a hurry as he raced into a 6-0 lead. And, although Searle was able to get on the board late on, there was never going to be any way back against Littler, who averaged nearly 109. Darting demolition job from Luke Littler! ☢️ What a way to celebrate your first win at the Betfred World Matchplay! The World Champion averages 108.92 to demolish Ryan Searle in brutal fashion!#MatchplayDarts | R1 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 20, 2025 'I was well up for tonight,' Littler said on Sky Sports. 'I wanted that win, to get that winning feeling and I've done it in some standard.' After revealing earlier this week he had failed his driving theory test for a fourth time, Littler said he has not been doing his homework for that as he has been keeping his focus on his game, adding: 'I've got a competition to focus on.' He said: 'I've been practising so much. Obviously I've not put much on social media, but I've been at home putting the hours in, hours and hours, and I'm glad it's paid off tonight.' World number four Stephen Bunting survived a dogfight with Ryan Joyce to advance with a 10-8 victory. Joyce came from 8-4 down to level the contest at 8-8 when Bunting appeared to be distracted while looking to close out from 45, and was then a whisker away from going 9-8 up as he narrowly missed double five. Bunting responded with a 180 and then checked out from 41 to secure his progress, but could not hide his frustration. 'I'm so disappointed,' he said. 'We had a battle last year. Thankfully I've not gone the distance this year and I've saved a bit of energy for the next round. We go on, we're in the next round.' Clayton wins a cracker! 🏴 2023 runner-up Jonny Clayton defies a 103 average from Martin Schindler to win through a terrific first round tie at the Empress Ballroom!#MatchplayDarts | R1 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 20, 2025 Fifth seed Jonny Clayton survived a tough contest against Martin Schindler to prevail 10-7, despite the German putting up better numbers for much of the contest. Clayton's average was 99.60 compared to Schindler's 103.45 but the Welshman picked his moments to advance. 'I am here, I want to win this tournament,' Clayton said. 'Hopefully it is going to be my week. I love it when I pass the first round.' CLAYTON WINS A THRILLER! Jonny Clayton has won a thriller here in Blackpool! The Ferret beats Martin Schindler 10-7 to book his place in the second round against Mike De Decker! 📺 #MatchplayDarts | R1 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 20, 2025 Earlier 13th seed Gary Anderson saw off Luke Woodhouse 10-5 despite a spectacular 167 checkout from the Englishman. Four seeds were sent home during Sunday's afternoon session as further shocks followed Saturday's exits of top seed Luke Humphries and eighth seed Nathan Aspinall. Seventh seed Damon Heta fell to Andrew Gilding in a contest that went to overtime, with Gilding eventually prevailing 12-10 after a late fightback came to nothing for Heta. Gilding advances to face Dirk van Duijvenbode, who saw off 10th seed Rob Cross 10-8 after rallying from 6-2 down in a remarkable contest. Jermaine Wattimena beat 15th seed Peter Wright 10-8 while Mike De Decker beat 12th seed Dave Chisnall 10-7.
Powys County Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Luke Littler hammers Ryan Searle at World Matchplay
Luke Littler stormed through to the second round of the World Matchplay with a 10-2 rout of Ryan Searle. Littler, the second seed at Blackpool's Winter Gardens, looked like a man in a hurry as he raced into a 6-0 lead. And, although Searle was able to get on the board late on, there was never going to be any way back against Littler, who averaged nearly 109. Darting demolition job from Luke Littler! ☢️ What a way to celebrate your first win at the Betfred World Matchplay! The World Champion averages 108.92 to demolish Ryan Searle in brutal fashion! #MatchplayDarts | R1 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 20, 2025 'I was well up for tonight,' Littler said on Sky Sports. 'I wanted that win, to get that winning feeling and I've done it in some standard.' After revealing earlier this week he had failed his driving theory test for a fourth time, Littler said he has not been doing his homework for that as he has been keeping his focus on his game, adding: 'I've got a competition to focus on.' He said: 'I've been practising so much. Obviously I've not put much on social media, but I've been at home putting the hours in, hours and hours, and I'm glad it's paid off tonight.' World number four Stephen Bunting survived a dogfight with Ryan Joyce to advance with a 10-8 victory. The moment Stephen Bunting sealed victory over Ryan Joyce… #WorldMatchplay | @sbunting180 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 20, 2025 Joyce came from 8-4 down to level the contest at 8-8 when Bunting appeared to be distracted while looking to close out from 45, and was then a whisker away from going 9-8 up as he narrowly missed double five. Bunting responded with a 180 and then checked out from 41 to secure his progress, but could not hide his frustration. 'I'm so disappointed,' he said. 'We had a battle last year. Thankfully I've not gone the distance this year and I've saved a bit of energy for the next round. We go on, we're in the next round.' Clayton wins a cracker! 🏴 2023 runner-up Jonny Clayton defies a 103 average from Martin Schindler to win through a terrific first round tie at the Empress Ballroom! #MatchplayDarts | R1 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 20, 2025 Fifth seed Jonny Clayton survived a tough contest against Martin Schindler to prevail 10-7, despite the German putting up better numbers for much of the contest. Clayton's average was 99.60 compared to Schindler's 103.45 but the Welshman picked his moments to advance. 'I am here, I want to win this tournament,' Clayton said. 'Hopefully it is going to be my week. I love it when I pass the first round.' CLAYTON WINS A THRILLER! Jonny Clayton has won a thriller here in Blackpool! The Ferret beats Martin Schindler 10-7 to book his place in the second round against Mike De Decker! 📺 #MatchplayDarts | R1 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 20, 2025 Earlier 13th seed Gary Anderson saw off Luke Woodhouse 10-5 despite a spectacular 167 checkout from the Englishman. Four seeds were sent home during Sunday's afternoon session as further shocks followed Saturday's exits of top seed Luke Humphries and eighth seed Nathan Aspinall. Seventh seed Damon Heta fell to Andrew Gilding in a contest that went to overtime, with Gilding eventually prevailing 12-10 after a late fightback came to nothing for Heta. Gilding advances to face Dirk van Duijvenbode, who saw off 10th seed Rob Cross 10-8 after rallying from 6-2 down in a remarkable contest.
North Wales Chronicle
a day ago
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Luke Littler hammers Ryan Searle at World Matchplay
Littler, the second seed at Blackpool's Winter Gardens, looked like a man in a hurry as he raced into a 6-0 lead. And, although Searle was able to get on the board late on, there was never going to be any way back against Littler, who averaged nearly 109. Darting demolition job from Luke Littler! ☢️ What a way to celebrate your first win at the Betfred World Matchplay! The World Champion averages 108.92 to demolish Ryan Searle in brutal fashion!#MatchplayDarts | R1 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 20, 2025 'I was well up for tonight,' Littler said on Sky Sports. 'I wanted that win, to get that winning feeling and I've done it in some standard.' After revealing earlier this week he had failed his driving theory test for a fourth time, Littler said he has not been doing his homework for that as he has been keeping his focus on his game, adding: 'I've got a competition to focus on.' He said: 'I've been practising so much. Obviously I've not put much on social media, but I've been at home putting the hours in, hours and hours, and I'm glad it's paid off tonight.' World number four Stephen Bunting survived a dogfight with Ryan Joyce to advance with a 10-8 victory. The moment Stephen Bunting sealed victory over Ryan Joyce…#WorldMatchplay | @sbunting180 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 20, 2025 Joyce came from 8-4 down to level the contest at 8-8 when Bunting appeared to be distracted while looking to close out from 45, and was then a whisker away from going 9-8 up as he narrowly missed double five. Bunting responded with a 180 and then checked out from 41 to secure his progress, but could not hide his frustration. 'I'm so disappointed,' he said. 'We had a battle last year. Thankfully I've not gone the distance this year and I've saved a bit of energy for the next round. We go on, we're in the next round.' Clayton wins a cracker! 🏴 2023 runner-up Jonny Clayton defies a 103 average from Martin Schindler to win through a terrific first round tie at the Empress Ballroom!#MatchplayDarts | R1 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 20, 2025 Fifth seed Jonny Clayton survived a tough contest against Martin Schindler to prevail 10-7, despite the German putting up better numbers for much of the contest. Clayton's average was 99.60 compared to Schindler's 103.45 but the Welshman picked his moments to advance. 'I am here, I want to win this tournament,' Clayton said. 'Hopefully it is going to be my week. I love it when I pass the first round.' CLAYTON WINS A THRILLER! Jonny Clayton has won a thriller here in Blackpool! The Ferret beats Martin Schindler 10-7 to book his place in the second round against Mike De Decker! 📺 #MatchplayDarts | R1 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 20, 2025 Earlier 13th seed Gary Anderson saw off Luke Woodhouse 10-5 despite a spectacular 167 checkout from the Englishman. Four seeds were sent home during Sunday's afternoon session as further shocks followed Saturday's exits of top seed Luke Humphries and eighth seed Nathan Aspinall. Seventh seed Damon Heta fell to Andrew Gilding in a contest that went to overtime, with Gilding eventually prevailing 12-10 after a late fightback came to nothing for Heta. Gilding advances to face Dirk van Duijvenbode, who saw off 10th seed Rob Cross 10-8 after rallying from 6-2 down in a remarkable contest. Jermaine Wattimena beat 15th seed Peter Wright 10-8 while Mike De Decker beat 12th seed Dave Chisnall 10-7.
