Overview

• Michael van Gerwen and his wife Daphne have announced their separation after 11 years of marriage, citing personal challenges.
• The darts superstar has withdrawn from upcoming tournaments, including the Dutch Darts Championship and the World Cup, with no timeline for his return.
• Van Gerwen, who has been experiencing a slump in performance, recently failed to qualify for the Premier League Darts Finales for only the second time in his career.
• The couple, who have two children, Zoe (7) and Mike (5), have asked for privacy during this difficult time.
• Van Gerwen's decision to take a break highlights the significant impact of his personal life on his professional career.