‘Family my priority’ – Van Gerwen out of Finals

Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen will miss the Players Championship Finals in November after deciding to focus on his family.

Van Gerwen announced in May that he and his wife, with whom he has two children, were getting divorced.

“Everyone knows what has happened and right now, my focus is solely on my children,” Van Gerwen told Darts World.

“The news about myself and their mother affects them enormously, and it’s vital we both continue to provide love and attention no matter what.

“This is a decision that was already in place. I know my fans would like to see me in Minehead, but I assure them I will be back very soon.”

The seven-time champion, who was already in danger of failing to qualify for the Finals – he is 92nd in the rankings with the top 64 playing in Minehead – has pulled out of the remaining three counting tournaments.

There are 34 Players Championship events across the year, with the competition’s finals held in Minehead, Somerset, from 21-23 November.

Van Gerwen was beaten by Dom Taylor in the first round of Players Championship 31 on Tuesday.

He then pulled out of Wednesday’s Players Championship 32 and this weekend’s European Tour event in Hildesheim. He was already skipping the final two events – Players Championship 33 and 34 – because of a pre-booked holiday.

“This has been a tough year and I now need to recharge the batteries before the World Championships,” added Van Gerwen.

“I owe it to myself, my management, sponsors and also the fans to only perform when I’m fully focused and can give 100% to the game I love.