free webpage hit counter

Blogs

BBC confirm Wimbledon broadcast team with Clare Balding, Isa Guha and John McEnroe but no place for Nick Kyrgios

THE BBC have confirmed their team of presenters, pundits and commentators for this year’s Championships at Wimbledon.

Fans will be treated to several high-profile former stars, including usual suspects John McEnroe, Tim Henman and Martina Navratilova.

Clare Balding and Tim Henman at Wimbledon.
Clare Balding and Tim Henman will be a major part of the BBC’s Wimbledon coverage
Rex
John McEnroe speaking into a microphone at Wimbledon.
Getty
John McEnroe will be a major part of the BBC’s coverage[/caption]
Isa Guha at Wimbledon.
Getty
Isa Guha will present action on the Beeb[/caption]

But there is no place for Nick Kyrgios, who featured on last year’s BBC coverage.

Isa Guha will present the action from the start of each day’s play, with Clare Balding taking over in the afternoon.

Qasa Alom will continue to front Today at Wimbledon each evening, having taken over from Balding in 2023.

Each presenter will be joined by a rotating cast of pundits including McEnroe, Henman, Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Pat Cash, Tracy Austin and Annabel Croft.

Commentary will be provided by Andrew Castle, Chris Bradnam, Nick Lester and Simon Reed, among others.

Kyrgios, meanwhile, has not been included in the BBC’s line-up, with the Aussie former finalist telling The Guardian last week: “It’s unfortunate but it’s probably their loss more than mine.”

The 30-year-old then went on to call the Beeb’s decision “very strange”.

Like Kyrgios, Andy Murray will not be featuring as a BBC pundit this year.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

BBC's Wimbledon line-up in full

Presenters:

Clare Balding, Isa Guha, Qasa Alom, Gigi Salmon, Clare McDonnell, Steve Crossman

Commentators: Andrew Castle, Chris Bradnam, James Burridge, Naomi Cavaday, Matt Chilton, Andrew Cotter, Katharine Downes, Paul Hand, Abigail Johnson, Robbie Koenig, David Law, Nick Lester, Ronald Mcintosh, Alison Mitchell, Nick Mullins, Pete Odgers, Simon Reed, Candy Reid, Andy Stevenson, Russell Fuller, Jonathan Overend, Iain Carter, Sara Orchard, Maz Farookhi, Claire Thomas, James Gregg, Delyth Lloyd, Chris Dennis, Shourjo Sarkar, Shabnam Younus-Jewell

Pundits:

John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Pat Cash, Tracy Austin, Tim Henman, Annabel Croft, Joe Durie, Colin Fleming, Daniela Hantuchova, Dom Inglot, Anne Keothavong, Alicia Molik, Ryan Harrison, John Lloyd, Nick Monroe, Arvind Parmar, Louise Pleming, Sam Smith, Liz Smylie, Mel South, Todd Woodbridge, Jayant Mistry, Louise Hunt, Katie O’Brien, Kim Clijsters, Laura Robson, Naomi Broady, Mark Woodforde, Jeff Tarango, Leon Smith, Coco Vandeweghe, Greg Rusedski, Daniele Hantuchova, Cara Black, Marion Bartoli

Having hung up his racquet last year, the two-time Wimbledon champion has not been tempted into the commentary booth.

The BBC will also provide extensive radio coverage across the fortnight.

Gigi Salmon, Clare McDonnell and Steve Crossman will lead 5 Live’s broadcast team, and will be joined by the likes of Cash, Croft, Laura Robson and Greg Rusedski.

As in previous years, McEnroe and Henman will lead 5-Live’s “6-Love-6” phone-in.

A new feature this year will see highlights of individual matches put on BBC iPlayer.

Main highlights package, Today at Wimbledon, will undergo some changes.

Rather than having a set slot on BBC Two during the first week, the long-running highlights show will begin when live action ends.

The Telegraph claim that the first edition of Today at Wimbledon of this year’s Championships next Monday will start at 11:55pm.

A BBC spokesperson told SunSport: “Live Wimbledon coverage is scheduled to air on BBC One or BBC Two until 10pm in the first week, and until 9pm from the second week, when matches typically finish earlier.

“We wouldn’t show highlights on another channel during live play, so Today at Wimbledon will be available on BBC iPlayer and scheduled on BBC Two later in the evening, depending on when play ends.

“It’s currently set for 8pm from Tuesday 8th to Friday 11th July, when earlier finishes are expected.”

Nick Kyrgios being interviewed by the BBC at Wimbledon.
BBC
Nick Kyrgios will not be rejoining the BBC’s coverage this year[/caption]
Man in suit sitting in empty green stadium seats.
BBC
Qasa Alom will present Today at Wimbledon for a third consecutive year[/caption]

Read More »

Newly single Helen Flanagan shows ex what he’s missing as she stuns in floral lingerie and stockings

HELEN Flanagan sizzled as she stripped to pastel lingerie and suspender stockings after her break-up with her footballer boyfriend.

The former Coronation Street actress – who recently split with retired sports star Robbie Talbot, 45, after a year of dating – showed the ex Burton Albion player just what he was missing in the matching sets.

Woman in white floral lingerie.
Tommy G Photography
Helen Flanagan stripped to sizzling pastel lingerie and matching suspender stockings for a new photoshoot[/caption]
Helen Flanagan modeling mint green lingerie.
Tommy G Photography
The mum of three flashed a pout as she posed in a green babydoll one-piece[/caption]
Helen Flanagan in pink lingerie for Nikki Intimates.
Tommy G Photography
Helen later switched to a red ruffle lingerie set as she struck another flirty pose[/caption]
Helen Flanagan and Robbie Talbot at a restaurant.
Helen Flanagan Instagram
It came weeks after her split with ex boyfriend Robbie Talbot[/caption]

Helen, 34, could be seen leaned back on a radiator as she showcased an ivory and green push up bra with delicate floral stitching, paired with a matching thong.

She pulled on a pair of ivory suspender stockings which clung to her toned waist for the racy snap, then kept the lace-trimmed garment for another snap in which she modelled a cut-out bodysuit.

The Rosie Webster actress then added a pop of colour to her collection as she headed outside for an al fresco snapshot by a blossom bush.

For the pouty shot, Helen pulled on a pale green lace babydoll one-piece with a plunging neckline.

She styled her shoulder-length blonde locks into loose waves and kept her make-up fresh for the summery shoot, accessorising with nude lipgloss and peach eyeshadow.

Other images in the Nikki Intimates shoot saw her stretching out on a sofa before perching on a red chair in matching frilly underwear.

It isn’t the first time the mum of three has stripped to sexy attire in her single-girl era.

Back in May, she oozed beach glam as she modelled a variety of swimwear on holiday in Nice, France.

SAD SPLIT

Her French holiday came just days after the ITV actress announced she had split with former footballer Robbie, 45.

She told the ex sports ace things “weren’t working” after a year together – and after initially saying she wanted his kids.

Friends now say the mum of three instead now wants to concentrate on her career and family.

A source told us: “They want different things in life. She has just landed a new acting job and is trying to juggle work projects with the kids.

“She sat him down two weeks ago and said, ‘This isn’t working’. It was a grown-up chat.

“She just wants to be on her own for a while although she still has feelings for him.”

What do we know about Helen Flanagan’s new boyfriend Robbie Talbot?

HELEN Flanagan has revealed that she is in a new relationship.

While appearing on Celebs Go Dating, she confessed that she was already taken – here’s everything we know about her boyfriend Robbie Talbot.

Helen has opened up about her relationship with former footballer Robbie Talbot.

He is a decade older than the actress.

Robbie was born in Liverpool on October 31, 1979 which is how he earned his nickname Halloween Hitman in football.

He has played for a series of non-league teams such as Burton Albion, Burscough and Morcambe.

He then became a coach at Ashton in 2010.

Robbie is retired from football.

He left his role as Assistant Manager at Ashton due to family and work commitments in 2011.

It’s unknown what he has done for work since leaving football.

Helen admitted that she was dating Robbie while appearing on Celebs Go Dating.

In a first for the show, it has been revealed that her relationship had to be written into the series due to requirements that those taking part have to be single.

The pair went public at her birthday party on August 10, 2024.

Helen split from Scott Sinclair, dad of her three kids, in 2022.

She met divorced dad Robbie in a bar just as she was about to go on E4’s Celebs Go Dating.

He moved into her Bolton home in September but left last month.

Woman in teal lingerie reclining on a couch.
Tommy G Photography
She stretched out on a sofa as part of the Nikki Intimates shoot[/caption]
Helen Flanagan in pink lingerie outdoors.
Tommy G Photography
Helen, 34m struck a pose as she headed out into a garden[/caption]
Helen Flanagan and her boyfriend embracing.
instagram/helenflanagan
Helen and Robbie are set to have wanted ‘different things’ in life[/caption]

Read More »

Daniel Wiffen reveals drastic life change he’s undertaking in order to maximise chances at LA Olympics

DANIEL WIFFEN is moving home for the next step on his road to world domination — which will be taken with a new coach.

Olympic gold medallist Wiffen, 23, has revealed he is looking for a new coach after leaving Loughborough University and long-time trainer Andi Manley a fortnight ago.

Daniel Wiffen, Deloitte Ireland's new brand ambassador, standing in front of a promotional image.
Deloitte Ireland yesterday announced a four-year partnership with Wiffen
Olympic medalist Daniel Wiffin holding gold and bronze medals.
Alamy
Monday’s announcement came on Global Olympics Day[/caption]

The 23-year-old twin of fellow swimmer Nathan insists the parting of ways was a mutual decision.

Manley told him he needed the change now to achieve his goal of becoming a treble gold medal winner at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Wiffen said: “I am moving out of my house in Loughborough, so I’m definitely moving back to Ireland as my main training base.

“I will be doing stints in America. The Olympics are going to be there so you have to get ready for that way of life and time zone.

“Nathan is going to be there. You can only stay so far away from your twin you were born three minutes before so that’s what I’m going to do. I’ll be moving coach and it’s going to be hard.

“I only decided four weeks ago that I was going to be leaving Loughborough. It was maybe two weeks ago when we had the conversation.

“We’re really good friends and we chat all the time. He wants what’s best for me. He’s not a selfish coach and he’s not going to tell me to stay just for his own benefit.

“He thinks it’s beneficial for my career, that I need a new start because being in a university programme, you get 18-year-olds, 17-year-olds coming in every year who are a lot lower level than what I am at this point in my career.

“You want to strive to be better than the people . . . you want to train with somebody better than you though it’s hard to train with somebody better than an Olympic gold medallist.

“It’s trying to progress in other areas. A university programme probably isn’t the best place for me at this point in my career.”

Wiffen is unsure who will coach him but is happy to return to his Armagh base and work from there with support from Swim Ireland.

But having won over fans last year when he declared he would win an Olympic gold medal in Paris and then achieved the feat, he has even loftier goals for LA 2028.

He said: “The end goal is three gold medals at LA. I’m just training away and refining the skills right now.

“And then at the start of July I’m leaving for Malaysia for our pre-camp before the World Championships in Singapore in August.

“I’ve been told a couple of times by different world champions that the hardest world championships to win is the one after winning the Olympics.

“I’m up for the challenge. Obviously my goal is to stay undefeated in the 800 metres. I haven’t lost in the 800m freestyle since 2023.

“For me that’s the goal — just to keep undefeated and win another gold medal and then hopefully add that 400m and try to challenge it a bit more, and then for the 1500m.

“It’s to try and progress from that bronze medal and win the gold I won in Doha before.

“I would say we’re aiming for three gold medals. The 400m is maybe a bit of a stretch because it’s a new event, but definitely two.”

DEALINGS WITH RUDD

Wiffen also spoke on the subject of former Swim Ireland National Performance Director Jon Rudd, who was the subject of a BBC Panorama programme that accused him of historical cases of bullying in England.

None of the allegations were from Rudd’s time in Ireland and Swim Ireland conducted their own investigation and found no welfare issues.

But Wiffen said he always enjoyed working with Swim Ireland while highlighting that he had few dealings with Rudd and no knowledge of the allegations.

He said: “I’ve only got good things to say about Swim Ireland and how they have supported me. Jon was not a performance director for me, he wasn’t my coach.

“He just answered emails for me and was never on poolside coaching.
So I would have no idea.”

Read More »

Mourinho ready to end Jadon Sancho’s Man Utd hell in cut-price transfer with Fenerbahce willing to meet huge wage demand

JOSE Mourinho is closing in on taking Manchester United flop Jadon Sancho to Turkey.

Fenerbahce boss Mourinho has offered United £15m to end the winger’s miserable spell at Old Trafford.

Jadon Sancho of Manchester United looking dejected during a soccer match.
Getty
Jadon Sancho’s Manchester United hell could be about to come to an end[/caption]
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Fenerbahce.
Getty
Jose Mourinho is closing in on bringing the winger to Fenerbahce[/caption]

And the Istanbul side are prepared to meet Sancho’s demands for £10m a season in wages.

Sancho, 25, returned to United last month when Chelsea paid a £5m penalty clause at the end of his loan agreement rather than splashing out £25m to make the deal permanent.

It was the latest incident in an ill-starred four years at Old Trafford since his £73m move from Dortmund in 2021.

London-born Sancho, who was on Manchester City’s youth books before his four seasons in the Bundesliga, was involved in a spectacular fall-out with United boss Erik ten Hag.

Sancho accused the Dutchman of making him a “scapegoat” before a loan return to Dortmund in January 2024.

Last summer, despite starting the campaign in the United squad, he was sent to Chelsea on deadline day.

Sancho scored five goals in 41 appearances for the Blues, including a beauty in the Conference League Final comeback win over Real Betis, but it was not enough to persuade Enzo Maresca to pull the trigger on a permanent move.

But with new United gaffer Ruben Amorim having made it clear he sees no United future for the winger, Sancho is looking for a move.

Jadon Sancho celebrates a Chelsea FC victory.
Alamy
Sancho spent last season on loan with Chelsea, where he helped the Blues win the Conference League[/caption] Jadon Sancho's Chelsea FC 2024-25 season statistics.

Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus
in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford

Italian giants Juventus have signalled their interest in a potential swap deal.

But United need to balance their PSR finances with a cash sale – Sancho’s “book value” for next term is £15m – the preferred option.

Fenerbahce, desperate to usurp fierce rivals Galatasaray and reclaim the Turkish crown, have emerged as the strongest suitors, with Mourinho believing the former England man could be a game-breaker.

Sancho’s £300,000-a-week wages have proved prohibitive for a number of interested clubs.

But Turkey’s much lower taxes would see the former Borussia Dortmund star match his take-home salary from United.

Manchester United Premier League fixtures, 2025/26.

Read More »

‘The cool-girl co-ord’ – Tesco Ireland F&F shoppers scrambling to tills to get hands on TV star’s ‘stunning’ summer set

TESCO shoppers are racing to get their hands on a new “cool girl” co-ord – and it’s perfect for festivals this summer.

The supermarket’s in-house fashion label, F&F, is renowned for its stylish buys at affordable prices.

Woman in snakeskin-print outfit leaning against a tree.
INSTAGRAM
The co-ord is part of the Abbey Clancy Festival Edit[/caption]
Woman in a beige snakeskin-print maxi skirt and matching top outdoors.
INSTAGRAM
The retailer described it as a ‘cool girl’ co-ord[/caption]
Woman in snakeskin dress and handbag.
INSTAGRAM
It’s perfect to wear to festivals[/caption]

The retailer has been making fans very happy in recent months, bringing out a range of summer wardrobe staples.

And now, Tesco’s F&F is selling a popular TV star’s “must-have” outfit.

In a post on social media, the retailer shared a look at the new outfit from Abbey Clancy.

In the caption of the post, the team wrote: “The cool-girl co-ord, chic and easy to style.”

The pictures show a stunning light beige top and skirt with a darker brown pattern splattered across it.

The top has a flattering tight fit, with a round neckline and short sleeves.

And the skirt is made from a see-through lace material, with lining down to the mid-thigh.

The floor-length piece is perfect for a festival or holidays abroad, and features a slit up the side.

The co-ord is part of the Abbey Clancy Festival Edit in stores now.

Shoppers rushed to the comments to gush over the “stunning” matching set.

One fan said: “This is incredible.”

While another added: “Wow love this.”

Unfortunately for shoppers, the set is not yet available on the website.

But it may be available in your local F&F store.

And it’s not the only find from Tesco that has shoppers racing to the tills.

Clubcard members can nab a new matching short and waistcoat set for a fraction of the price.

Get a chic everyday look with the new white button front waistcoat or dress it up with a midi length skirt and cowboy boots for the perfect festival fit.

Be bright and beautiful in the stunning red dress that comes in sizes XS-XL.

Style with a slingback heel and wicker clutch, it is the perfect beach babe look.

All these stunning looks are available online and in stores now but are set to fly off the shelves very fast.

Tesco supermarket storefront with large red lettering.
The new co-ord is set to fly off the shelves
Getty Images - Getty

Read More »

BBC Radio 2 DJ Steve Wright’s will revealed – with touching gift to charity & rest left to his kids after tragic death

BBC Radio 2 DJ Steve Wright has left behind over £40,000 to charity and his kids in his will.

The veteran DJ, who presented Steve Wright in the Afternoon and fronted Top of the Pops, passed away aged 69 in February last year.

Man in black suit and yellow glasses gesturing.
BBC
Steve Wright passed away aged 69[/caption]
Black and white photo of a man excitedly presenting at a microphone.
Alamy
His will has now been revealed following his death[/caption]
Black and white photo of a couple sitting together.
Steve and Cindi Robinson got married in 1972 but later divorced
Disc jockey Steve Wright in a BBC Radio 1 recording studio.
Alamy
The veteran presenter was best known for his time on BBC Radio 2[/caption]

Now, his will has been revealed with his children Tom and Lucy Wright the executors of his estate.

Steve left behind a total of £40,623 after tax.

The radio legend donated £15,000 to Cancer Research UK and generously donated £10,000 to the British Heart Foundation – with both contributions free from inheritance tax.

The rest of the money was left to Steve’s two children to be split between them.

During a stellar career, Steve also presented the popular Sunday Love Songs mid-morning show on Radio 2.

His last show was a pre-recorded Valentine’s Day edition of Sunday Love Songs.

He had been due to front a new BBC spin-off show as the broadcaster planned to launch four fresh stations before his tragic death.

His family said in a moving statement at the time: “It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright.

“In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard.

“Also, much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK’s most enduring and popular radio personalities.

“As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time.”

From bullied schoolboy to BBC legend

By Jane Matthews

STEVE Wright went from being a bullied schoolboy cruelly dubbed ‘Big Nose’ to a BBC radio legend.

Wright was born in Greenwich, London and attended Eastwood High School in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.

It was there that he was cruelly nicknamed Big Nose and Concorde.

His first job after leaving school was in marine insurance but after three years he realised it wasn’t for him.

It was then that Wright left to become a local newspaper reporter.

This led him to BBC, as a record librarian, which then went on to his own shows – and the rest was history.

But in 2022 he announced he was stepping back from his Afternoon show after more than two decades.

He said at the time: “Before we start the show proper, if I may, I’d just like to say thank you ever so much for all the messages that have come in, over the weekend after I announced on Friday on the afternoon that we are leaving the afternoon show.”

The axing saw him take another step towards his Sunday Love Songs show – which he last appeared on just days ago.

Steve joined the BBC in the 1970s and spent four decades hosting his beloved afternoon shows.

He also fronted TV programmes for the broadcaster, including Top of the Pops.

In 1976, he briefly left the broadcaster for Thames Valley Radio but returned four years later to present weekend programmes.

The move paid off and his defining show Steve Wright in the Afternoon was launched in 1981.

Although a scheduling shake-up meant Scott Mills took over his afternoon slot, Steve stayed on to present Sunday Love Songs.

Speaking about the shock axing, the DJ said at the time: “Sometimes people don’t want you”.

He continued: “I’ve been offered loads of stuff at the BBC and I’m staying at Radio 2. What it actually means for me is rather than working six days a week, I’ll be working maybe two and a half days a week.”

In his personal life, Steve was married to US-born Cindi Robinson until they divorced in 1999.

He later revealed he had struggled to find love since due to his demanding radio schedule.

Most recently, Steve was made an MBE in the New Year Honours for services to radio.

Black and white photo of Steve Wright, a BBC Radio 1 DJ, at a microphone.
Getty
The DJ had been a permanent fixture at the BBC for 40 years[/caption]
Steve Wright and Cliff Richard on Top of the Pops.
BBC
Steve also presented Top of the Pops[/caption]
Steve Wright, Radio 1 DJ, in a recording studio in 1980.
He was a much loved figure in the radio industry
Rex

Read More »

CDC, Clark Water join 2025 Clark-Mabalacat-Angeles Road clean-up drive

In celebration of Philippine Environment Month this June, Clark Development Corporation (CDC), in collaboration with the Environmental Practitioners Association, Clark Water Corporation, and Prime Waste Solutions Pampanga Inc. (PWSPI), spearheaded the annual Clark-Mabalacat-Angeles Road (CMAR) Clean-Up Drive. The clean-up covered a six-kilometer stretch from SM City Clark to the Clark Mabalacat Gate, mobilizing over 200

Read More »

Doogee Blade GT Pro Full Specs, Features, Price In Philippines

Here’s The Complete List of Specifications, Features, & Price of the Doogee Blade GT Pro The Doogee Blade GT Pro was officially announced in June 2025. The 5G-ready smartphone is fueled with a 5800 mAh battery + 18W wired charging. The phone is available in two colors: Black and Silver. Body & Display: The dimension ... Read more

The post Doogee Blade GT Pro Full Specs, Features, Price In Philippines appeared first on PhilNews.

Read More »

Pete Doherty breaks silence after Babyshambles’ bandmate’s tragic death and reveals tattoo tribute

PETE Doherty has addressed Babyshambles’ bandmate Patrick Walden’s death with a heartwarming tribute.

Last week, fans learned of the guitarist’s tragic death at just 46 years of age.

Patrick Walden, guitarist for Babyshambles, arriving at Thames Magistrates Court.
Getty
Former Babyshambles guitarist Patrick Walden passed away at the age of 46[/caption]
Pete Doherty of The Libertines performing at The Roundhouse.
Getty
Lead vocalist Pete Doherty shared a moving tribute to Patrick[/caption]
Pete Doherty's wrist tattoo.
Instagram
He also revealed a poignant tattoo[/caption]

Patrick’s stellar music career had also included playing for James Blunt.

Taking to Instagram, lead vocalist Pete, 46, shared a tribute to his former colleague.

Displayed on a typewriter, it read: “Used to call me Petey! huh!?

“Jesus that’s a shot in the heart – you brought joy to so many f*****g people mate.

“I was in Mexico lately, and a kid in the street had a tattoo of you and a shambles French dog on his chest, so I got the French dog tattooed the next day, meant to call you and tell you…. telling you now Pat mate.”

He added: “Down in Albion… Up in heaven? Hmmm

“My times in the galleys with you were exquisite, I remember the night we spent 2 or 3 writing pipedown, one time we were both crashing on the floor at Rooz studios. 

“To know you were loved and will be missed. To all your friends and family. Be at rest in peace, Pat.

“Love from your pal Petey.”

A fan commented: “Sending love to everyone.”

Another shared: “I have the French dog tattooed on my arm. RIP Pat.”

While a third added: “Really shocked by this one.”

In addition, Pete shared a snap of his new French dog tattoo.

Patrick Walden joined Babyshambles in 2004 and stayed as lead guitarist until 2006.

The band revealed Patrick’s passing on their official Facebook page.

Their post read: “It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden’s death.

“We feel very fortunate to have known, loved and worked with him and we kindly ask for respect and privacy during these difficult times.

“Peter, Drew, Mik, Adam.”

Pete Doherty and Patrick Walden performing live on stage.
Getty
Patrick played with Babyshambles from 2004 to 2006[/caption]
Typewritten letter expressing grief and remembrance.
Instagram
Pete shared this message on his Instagram feed[/caption]

Read More »

‘I have space in my head again’ – Michael van Gerwen breaks silence for first time since split from wife Daphne

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN admits he now has “space in his head” to return to the oche after a turbulent month away from the sport. 

Three-time World Champion Van Gerwen has been absent from darts for a short spell after taking time away from the game following the public announcement last month of a separation from his wife Daphne.

Michael van Gerwen and his wife sightseeing in Prague.
Instagram / @mvg180
Michael van Gerwen announced his split from wife Daphne last month[/caption]
Michael van Gerwen of the Netherlands reacting during a darts match.
Getty
The Dutchman took time away from the sport[/caption]

‘Mighty Mike’ will make a comeback to the competitive PDC scene at the Word Series event at Madison Square Garden this upcoming weekend.  

The Dutchman says he is now ready to return to the big stage

He said: “Everything is kind of under control now

“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.”

The 47-time major winner has been under the spotlight in recent weeks but wants to keep his personal life a private matter.

He added: “A lot of people ask me things, but this is a private matter. 

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS

“Nobody has anything to do with that. What people think about it doesn’t affect me. 

“The most important thing for me is that things are good for my children.

MVG's split announcement

Michael van Gerwen announced his seperation from wife Daphne on social media.

He wrote: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Daphne and I have decided to end our relationship.

“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 going through difficult times and ask everyone to respect our privacy during this difficult time.”

“Whether I look left or right, it’s all over social media. It’s actually too crazy for words, but it’s part of it.

“What people say doesn’t affect me anymore. This is not the first storm I’ve experienced.”

MVG’s return will see him hunt success in the United States for a third time having won the Big Apple tournament on two previous occasions.  

‘The Green Machine’ most recently thrashed North American Champion Jeff Smith 8-0 in the 2023 final.

Read More »