"I had chances in all my matches" - Martijn Kleermaker bows out of Grand Slam and perhaps professional darts

Martijn Kleermaker was defeated in his third group match at the 2023 Grand Slam of Darts, leaving the Dutchman winless.

Kleermaker, who had previously lost to Rob Cross and Fallon Sherrock in his first two group matches, went down 5-4 in his final match against Michael van Gerwen. "I had chances in all my matches, but then when you don't take advantage of them, you just don't deserve it," an honest Kleermaker toldViaplay.

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"I still got out to a 4-2 lead and then you might think there's something in it, but my trebles just weren't falling," continued 'The Dutch Giant'. "I was searching for my best level the whole time. There were opportunities, because Michael was not at his best. This was really a 'seedpot' first class."

Kleermaker had already indicated before this tournament that this was probably his last major tournament for a very long time. The 32-year-old Dutchman finds it difficult to combine fatherhood with his darts career. At the end of this month he will have his chance at the qualifying tournament for Tour Card holders, where there are still some places to be fought for ahead of the upcoming World Championship.