Forced break after final defeat
Darts star van Gerwen has his jaw broken several times
22.07.2024, 10:52 a.m.
First a painful sporting defeat, then a painful operation: darts star Michael van Gerwen moves from the dartboard to the hospital. He has his jaw broken several times for health reasons.
Michael van Gerwen said goodbye to his forced break from darts with a dejected expression on his face. After the painful 15:18 defeat in the final of the World Matchplay against Luke Humphries, the Dutchman will be focusing on his health in the coming weeks rather than on trophies, darts and prize money.
“I have a strong underbite and that really bothers me. They are going to break my upper and lower jaw and adjust them. They are going to push my upper jaw forward six millimeters and my lower jaw back three millimeters,” “Mighty Mike” announced to the Dutch newspaper “AD” during the World Matchplay in Blackpool. He is aiming for his comeback at the end of August.
It is important to “do the right thing for yourself and think long-term,” said van Gerwen. “It is frustrating not even being able to bite through a slice of ham. At some point, it’s just enough.”
Humphries dominates the world elite
Most of the major titles have recently gone to world champion Humphries, who also won the Phil Taylor Trophy and 200,000 pounds (around 240,000 euros) in prize money in the famous Winter Gardens. “I’m delighted to have my name on this trophy named after Phil Taylor. To achieve this in the same year as my first world title is very emotional for me,” said Humphries.
The Englishman is currently unassailable at the top of the world rankings. In addition to his successes at the World Championship and the World Matchplay, the 29-year-old also currently holds the titles at the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship Finals. “I have worked incredibly hard on my game. This is the reward,” said Humphries. Van Gerwen lost second place in the rankings to former world champion Michael Smith and is now third, although he defeated Smith in the semi-finals in Blackpool.