Professional darts can take a toll on many areas of players lives. In such a context the darting world will welcome the impending TV return of one of the sport’s greatest ever talents – Michael van Gerwen.
Following a much-publicised split from his wife, Daphne, the much decorated Winmau arrow-smith has taken a well-earned break from the oche to regroup and refocus. It’s a sobering reminder that, despite their public status, sporting celebrities are not immune to the everyday heartaches the rest of us face.
Ahead of this weekend’s US Masters in New York City, the three-time PDC World Champion made a low-key appearance last Sunday at a MODUS event in Waregem, Belgium. Notably, he stepped up in an unfamiliar look – swapping his trademark bright green for a sleek black and gold strip.
In true Van Gerwen style, he praised the crowd with a trademark flourish, posting a photo alongside the words: What a phenomenal atmosphere this evening.
Speaking to a national tabloid, Van Gerwen opened up about the matrimonial split and his plans to return to competitive action:
“Everything is kind of under control now. I have space in my head again to return to the oche. Darts at the highest level is what I love to do the most.
“Everyone knows it’s been a very eventful period for me. But you can’t dwell on the past. I have to move on. I have to work again and find pleasure in what I’m doing again.”
Naturally, friends and family have been reaching out to check on Mighty Mike’s well-being, but he remains guarded:
“A lot of people ask me things, but this is a private matter. Nobody has anything to do with that. What people think about it doesn’t affect me. The most important thing for me is that things are good for my children.
“Whether I look left or right, it’s all over social media. It’s actually too crazy for words, but it’s part of it. What people say doesn’t affect me anymore. This is not the first storm I’ve experienced.”
In truth, darts without Michael van Gerwen is like an apple pie without the cream – still enjoyable, but missing that extra something. And when it comes to cream, Van Gerwen is the one who usually rises to the top.
—–ENDS—–
Images: Ed Mullholland /PDC
