Michael van Gerwen is in the midst of preparing to compete at the World Darts Championships but has endured a brutal year with his dad battling cancer and his marriage in tatters
Michael van Gerwen is set to compete in the World Darts Championships despite his father’s ongoing health struggles.
The Dutch darts maestro will kick off his Ally Pally campaign against Mitsuhiko Tatsunami this week, nearly a year after his crushing defeat in the final against Luke Littler. Van Gerwen’s year has been far from smooth, as he is currently navigating a divorce from his wife Daphne after a 17-year relationship.
However, the 36-year-old’s primary concern is likely his father Henri, who is battling cancer. The darts star’s father has endured months of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, even undergoing a nose amputation due to the disease.
Speaking to The Guardian, Van Gerwen acknowledged the turmoil his family has experienced during this cancer battle but remains determined to perform at his best for his dad.
Providing an update on his father’s condition, he said: “Not too good, he is sick. They amputated his nose one-and-a-half years ago, and two months ago they cut away all his lymphs.
“They cut them everywhere so he can’t taste any more, he can’t swallow any more. He has tubes so it’s not going too good. His quality of life is bad – but he still tells me off when I don’t do well.
“He’ll be watching me in the Worlds. He was always a strong man and now..”
Watch the World Darts Championship on Sky Sports
The PDC World Darts Championship gets underway on December 11 and fans can watch every match exclusively live with Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle.
The impact of Van Gerwen’s divorce has also significantly affected his mindset. However, the seasoned darts player is adamant that he will overcome his struggles and find his footing once again.
He added: “We were 17 years together, nearly 11 years married. You need to give yourself time to let it go. Sometimes you get thrown back to reality and then you need to try to move out of it again. I can do it.”
The Dutchman is ready to return to glory at Ally Pally. He said: “I have had a tough year, probably my worst year ever.
“But still, last year I think my form was worse than it is now and I still need to find it. Things were happening in the past, you can’t change it anymore. The only thing you can change is the future.
“I used to have a wife who helped me with things, but now when I have the kids, I have to look after them. So I have to adjust myself a little bit.
“My kids are always priority number one.”