The darts legend shared the update with fans on social media in May after he crashed out of the Premier League, admitting he and Daphne were facing a 'difficult time'.

'It is with great sadness that I inform you that Daphne and I have decided to end our relationship,' Van Gerwen wrote. 'As a result, I have withdrawn from the upcoming tournaments.

'I am sorry to disappoint my fans, but I trust that they will understand my decision. We are facing a difficult time and ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.'

Van Gerwen and Daphne Govers began dating in 2008, with the couple getting married back in 2014.

Their split caused van Gerwen to take a break from the sport - including in the recent Players Championship events and the World Cup - but he has now spoken on the matter and appears to be in a better place as his return nears.

'Everything is kind of under control now,' van Gerwen said ahead of his return to the oche, which will come at this weekend's World Series event at Madison Square Garden. 'I have space in my head again to return to the oche. Darts at the highest level is what I love to do the most.

'Everyone knows it's been a very eventful period for me. But you can't dwell on the past. I have to move on.

'I have to work again and find pleasure in what I'm doing again.'