Three-time darts world champion Michael van Gerwen has announced he is separating from his wife Daphne after 17 years together and will take a break from competitive play.
The 36-year-old shared the news on social media, stating: '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 As a result, I have withdrawn from the upcoming tournaments.' He added that they are facing a 'difficult time' and asked for privacy.
Van Gerwen and Daphne Govers began dating in 2008 and married in 2014. They have two children: daughter Zoe, 7, and son Mike, 5.
The announcement came as he pulled out of the Dutch Darts Championship, where he was due to play his first match on Saturday evening. It follows his failure to qualify for the Premier League Darts play-offs, finishing fifth in the standings. In his final match, he was beaten by Nathan Aspinall, who noted that Van Gerwen 'didn't look himself' and seemed to be 'giving up'.
