Michael van Gerwen has revealed that he will miss the Players Championship Finals in Minehead, so that he can “focus on his children” amid his ongoing divorce from his wife.
The Dutchman has been going through one of the most turbulent times of his life, with him announcing the split to his wife of 11 years.
He is also dealing with his father’s cancer diagnosis, which has meant that the Mighty Mike is going to be taking a step back to focus on personal matters rather than darting achievements.
He revealed: “Everyone knows what has happened and right now, my focus is solely on my children.
Michael van Gerwen has confirmed he will be spending time focusing on his children
|GETTY
“Obviously, the news about myself and their mother affects them enormously, and it’s vital we both continue to provide love and attention no matter what.
“This is a decision that was already in place. I know my fans would like to see me in Minehead, but I assure them I will be back very soon.
Van Gerwen had already pulled out of the Pro Tour in Wigan on Wednesday and won’t be present at the European tour event in Hildesheim this weekend either.
Mighty Mike was spotted at Manchester airport this week after it seemed as though he was writing off any chance of making it to Minehead this year, where there is a whopping £600,000 up for grabs.
He continued: “This has been a tough year and I now need to recharge the batteries ahead of the World Championships.
“I owe it to myself, my management, sponsors and also the fans to only perform when I’m fully focused and can give 100 per cent to the game I love.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Michael van Gerwen and his wife Daphne announced their split after 11 years together
|“At this moment, my family are what matter most and they will always be the priority, regardless of anything else. Thank you for your continued words of support on social media. I do see them, and it means a lot.
“At the end of the day, just because we as professional dart players are in the spotlight, we are first and foremost loving parents.”
Van Gerwen and Daphne met in 2008 and got married in 2014, and have two children together.
Earlier this month, the Dutchman offered an update on his father’s health.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
He confirmed: “My dad is OK and now he has seven weeks of radiotherapy and probably chemotherapy. After that hopefully everything is fine.
“They think that they have removed everything for the second time in 18 months.”
Despite a lengthy period away from the top of the darting world, he thinks he can get back to the top when he is fully focused.
Michael van Gerwen is confident he will get back to his very best
|GETTY
Van Gerwen said: “I think he (Luke Littler) is doing really good for himself and for the sport of darts.
“It’s a marathon, not a sprint. You need to make sure you are here for the long run. I’ve been in the PDC for 18 years.
“You can say it but you have to do it. But I want to do it. If you don’t have the hunger, then maybe it’s time to do something else. I still like to perform on the big stages.”