VAN GERWEN BLINDSIDED BY SLEDGEHAMMER BLOW IN PRIVATE LIFE

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN suffered a “sledgehammer” blow in his private life before his World Masters defeat.

‘Mighty Mike’ was back to his best at the World Series early in the year after winning the Bahrain Masters and reaching the final of the Saudi Arabia Masters.

But the Dutchman suffered a shock 3-1 loss to Damon Heta in round one at Milton Keynes the following week, averaging just 88.

Former pro and close friend Vincent van der Voort revealed the sad reason behind MVG’s uncharacteristic display and early exit at the PDC Premier event.

He told the Darts Draait Door Podcast: “We certainly didn’t expect this, because he was building well and training.

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

“At first he didn’t want to go, but he also knows what we’re working on.

“So he went anyway, really against his better judgment. You can’t control things like this, so I didn’t find it strange that he lost.

“You can’t blame him for anything here. When you see what he has to deal with… It’s really no small thing.

“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 returns to action on Thursday evening in the Premier League when he faces Stephen Bunting at Newcastle.

Image by Taylor Lanning.