DIRK MAY WITHDRAW FROM WORLD MATCHPLAY
20/07/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
DIRK VAN DUIJVENBODE has admitted he may withdraw from the World Matchplay to attend the birth of his child
World No. 32 Van Duijvenbode pulled off a stunning comeback win over Rob Cross in round one at the Winter Gardens.
‘The Aubergenius’ roared back from 6-2 down to seal a 10-8 victory with a stellar 137 checkout and a solid 95.33 average.
But after banking his appearance fee and booking a spot in the last 16, the 33-year-old revealed darts is firmly second on his priority list right now – with his partner due to give birth in just two days.
He said: “To be fair this week for me it is all about participating.
“The due date of my kid is next Tuesday in two days.
“So, I was like if it comes early, I might have to withdraw.
“For me the most pressure was on that.
“It wasn’t on whoever I play, where I play and how big the stakes are.
“I was like I hope I can play so I at least get my appearance fee.
“Now I have won I could have participated and now I just hope it waits for another week to come.
“That’s the big pressure all the other things I could not care.
“Put me against Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen same game, I might say the kid is coming on the way – I am off.
“It is way more important. The Matchplay is here next year as well. I am just happy I participated in it.”
Former World Grand Prix finalist Van Duijvenbode was then asked what he would do if he reached the final in Blackpool.
He added: “We will see it as it comes because I probably won’t make the final.”
Dutch thrower Van Duijvenbode has been in good form this year, reaching the final of Players Championship 17 in Leicester.
Van Duijvenbode also made the semi-final of the European Darts Grand Prix in May, where he lost out to Gary Anderson.
Images by Taylor Lanning.
