Major blow as Michael van Gerwen withdraws late from Dutch Darts Championship

Michael van Gerwen will not be playing this weekend at the Dutch Darts Championship in Rosmalen and is a late withdrawal from the field.

Van Gerwen was due to face off against Mickey Mansell in the second round this evening. But has now withdrawn in what is a major blow to the tournament given his status as the top player from the Netherlands and likely who most of the fans were there to see this evening.

Mansell now benefits and receives a bye through to the final day. He is the first through and also leaves a gap in tonight's session so there will only be seven games. It is the second big name to withdraw late with Gerwyn Price doing so yesterday leaving Luke Humphries as the leading light.

It has since been confirmed by the Dutch darting juggernaut that the reason behind the withdrawal is a split with his wife Daphne. He released a statement on Saturday afternoon mainly directed to his supporters too who no doubt were expecting to see him and why it couldn't be helped.
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"It is with great sadness, I would like to let you know 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 As a result, I have withdrawn from the upcoming tournaments.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 am confident that they understand my choice," he wrote.

"We are going through a tough time and ask everyone to respect our privacy during this difficult time."