Dirk van Duijvenbode puts birth of second child first: “If I have to, I’ll withdraw from the World Matchplay”

Dirk van Duijvenbode returns to the World Matchplay in Blackpool this weekend, but does so with more on his mind than just competing on the darts stage. His girlfriend Saskia Kokshoorn is expecting their second child - exactly in the week of the prestigious ranking tournament.

"I have all the flight schedules in my head," the 33-year-old dart player told Sportnieuws.nl. With a tightly planned travel schedule and multiple backup options, Van Duijvenbode hopes to combine his participation with the joy of becoming a father again.

He became a father of son Levi for the first time in August 2023. During this year's Premier League Darts in Rotterdam, he announced live on stage that he will become a father again. And now the moment is almost here - although it is in the very week he has to perform at the second biggest tournament of the darts year.

"It could happen at any time, including during the Matchplay," Van Duijvenbode says with a wink. "There's no plan. I'm going there and we'll see." Yet it soon becomes apparent that he did prepare well.

Van Duijvenbode opens his World Matchplay campaign Sunday afternoon against former world champion Rob Cross. "That's actually convenient. I can possibly move my flight from Saturday night to Sunday morning and fly back after my match," he explained. "So we have it sorted out."

Should his girlfriend give birth precisely during his tournament, there is also a contingency plan. "Her sister is on standby. She will go with her if necessary. I've gone through all the scenarios and figured out all the flight times. But you can't really say anything meaningful about it. You just don't know."

Van Duijvenbode stressed that he would rather not drop out, even in the event of a birth during the tournament. Not only because of the sporting ambition, but also because of the prize money and the corresponding ranking points. "That's why I want to play that first round at all costs. But if I really have to, then I have to. The previous birth lasted almost a whole day, so I just have to assess the situation when the time comes."

The timing may be awkward, but Van Duijvenbode remains level-headed. "It also makes no sense to stay home two weeks in advance and two weeks after. A birth can be two weeks overdue, or just a week early. You don't know. So I just try to stay flexible."