The darting world held its breath as Michael van Gerwen, the three-time PDC World Champion, stepped back onto the oche for the first time since a heart-wrenching split from his wife of over a decade, Daphne Govers. The Dutch maestro, known as “Mighty Mike,” had withdrawn from the Dutch Darts Championship and other tournaments in May 2025, citing personal challenges following the end of his 17-year relationship. Now, at the European Darts Open in Leverkusen, Germany, Van Gerwen’s return has reignited excitement among fans, who are eager to see if the 36-year-old can recapture the ferocity that made him a global icon.
Van Gerwen’s absence from the sport came at a tumultuous time. Just days before announcing his separation, he suffered a crushing defeat to Nathan Aspinall in the Premier League Darts, missing the play-offs for only the second time in 13 years. Aspinall, reflecting on the match, noted, “I don’t know what is going on, but he didn’t look himself again. Even on that stage, he was giving up.” The loss, coupled with Van Gerwen’s withdrawal from his home tournament, sparked concern among peers and fans alike. Darts legend Wayne Mardle offered a sympathetic perspective: “I feel for Michael. The man is a champion, a winner. To not have won a week, he won four last year, that is a real blow for him.” Mardle’s words underscored the weight of Van Gerwen’s struggles, both personal and professional.
The announcement of his split with Daphne, shared via a poignant social media post, revealed the depth of his challenges. “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Daphne and I have decided to end our relationship,” Van Gerwen wrote. “As a result, I have withdrawn from the upcoming tournaments. I am sorry to disappoint my fans, but I trust that they will understand my decision. We are facing a difficult time and ask that you respect our privacy.” The couple, who began dating in 2008 and married in 2014—the same year Van Gerwen claimed his first world title—share two children, Zoe and Mike. Daphne, a former hairdresser and ardent supporter, was a familiar face at Van Gerwen’s matches, making their separation a shock to the darts community.
Van Gerwen’s return at the European Darts Open marks a pivotal moment. The event, held at the Ostermann-Arena, sees him face a stacked field, including world No. 1 Luke Humphries and teenage sensation Luke Littler, who bested him in the 2025 World Darts Championship final. Despite a challenging 2024, where he failed to win a televised tournament for the first time since 2011, Van Gerwen remains defiant. “I still have the fire in my belly,” he declared earlier this year. “The anger is still there when you don’t perform 100 per cent.” His words reflect a hunger to reclaim his place at the top, undeterred by recent setbacks, including foot and shoulder injuries that hampered his season.
The Dutchman’s career is a testament to his resilience. From throwing a televised nine-darter at 17 to becoming the youngest PDC World Champion at 24, Van Gerwen has amassed 47 PDC majors, second only to Phil Taylor. His record seven Premier League titles and five World Series Finals victories cement his legacy. Yet, 2025 has tested him like never before. Vincent van der Voort, a close friend, expressed concern about Van Gerwen’s lack of aggression: “The belief just isn’t there. His presence is lacking, there’s no passion in his game.” Fans hope his hiatus has rekindled that spark.
As Van Gerwen steps into the spotlight in Leverkusen, the darts world watches with bated breath. Can he silence doubters and channel his personal pain into professional triumph? His return is more than a comeback—it’s a statement of intent from a champion who refuses to fade away.
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