Michael van Gerwen ‘hit by another sledgehammer in his private life’ as pal reveals reason for World Masters darts exit

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN suffered what was described as a “sledgehammer in his private life” before his shock early exit at the World Masters.

The Dutch superstar had shown signs of returning to top form in 2026, but his campaign in Milton Keynes came to an abrupt end as he crashed out in the opening round.

Van Gerwen was beaten 3-1 by Damon Heta and produced an unusually low standard, recording an average of just 88.

Now, close friend Vincent van der Voort has suggested there was a deeper reason behind the uncharacteristic performance, pointing to serious issues away from the dartboard.

Speaking on the Darts Draait Door podcast, Van der Voort admitted the result caught many by surprise given Van Gerwen’s recent progress.

“We certainly didn’t expect this, because he was building well and training,” he said.

“He was hit by a real sledgehammer in his private life. That made it a truly miserable week.

“And if that’s a mess, then it’s really not easy.

“All of a sudden you get blindsided by external factors. He was up for it again and then he gets knocked back.

“This time it wasn’t surprising that he wasn’t at his best. But the Tour waits for no one and elite sport is ruthless.”

Van Gerwen, 36, has endured a difficult few months off the oche, with personal turmoil clearly affecting his results.

He recently split from his wife Daphne, who is now in a new relationship and is expecting a baby.

The couple had been together since 2008 and married six years later.

They share two children, a daughter named Zoe and a son called Mike.