MICHAEL van Gerwen has ditched the “lower priority” World Cup of Darts for IBIZA.
The three-time World Champion MVG will not play in Frankfurt on June 12-15 with Gian van Veen now expected to partner Danny Noppert for the Netherlands.
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World No.3 Van Gerwen’s absence shocked fans.
But close pal and former pro Vincent van der Voort wasn’t surprised.
He said on the Darts Draait Podcast: “I already knew back in December – his holiday was booked by then.
“I think he’ll be on a very big boat near Ibiza around that time. It’s all very inconvenient, of course.”
Podcast host Damian Vlottes joked: “If the choice is between that or the Eissporthalle in Frankfurt, I think I’d know what to pick.”
Former UK Open finalist Van der Voort backed MVG’s decision.
He added: “Playing for your country is a great honour, but let’s be honest, the World Cup of Darts was somewhat forced into the calendar.
“We looked at the schedule, and Michael wants to be at his best in the autumn. That means something has to give.
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“He wants to be fresh for the second half of the year, which is why his holiday falls during the World Cup. It’s a matter of making choices.
“The World Cup just has a lower priority at the moment. Maybe he’ll return to it next year.”
Van Gerwen will take a leaf out of wife Daphne’s book, who was seen soaking up the sun in a bikini on holiday last month.
She was hailed as “super beautiful” by fans after posing in Turkey in photos with her mother and looking out to a scenic ocean view.
The pair have been married since 2014 and are parents to daughter Zoe, 7, and son Mike, 5.