Michael van Gerwen announces split from wife Daphne and pulls out of upcoming tournaments at ‘difficult time’
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN has split up with his wife Daphne.
The darts star is set to withdraw from playing and will take a break as he deals with the personal issue.
That means he will not take part in the Dutch Darts Championship this weekend – he was set to face Michael Mansell.
Van Gerwen apologised to the fans he has disappointed with his decision to withdraw, but revealed he and Daphne are going through difficult times.
He said in a statement: “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“As a result, I have withdrawn from the upcoming tournaments.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 going through difficult times and ask everyone to respect our privacy during this difficult time.”
Van Gerwen, 36, and Daphne began dating in 2008 and tied the knot six years later.
The pair have two children together, a daughter called Zoe, 7, and a son called Mike, 5.
Daphne boasts 38,000 followers on Instagram and often uses the social media platform to update her fans on her glamorous life, showing off her holidays.
The family enjoyed a trip to Turkey in April where Daphne showed off her bikini body on the beach.
The couple also went sightseeing together in Prague last Autumn before the Czech Darts Open.
Van Gerwen has had a difficult year on and off the oche, struggling with form and injury.
He missed out on the final of Premier League Darts this week after being beaten by Nathan Aspinall this week.