Reason darts star Van Gerwen pulled out of tournament 15 minutes from his home revealed after shock loss to care worker

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN failed to turn up to the Players Championship on Tuesday - but not because of his shock defeat the day before. Mighty Mike, 35, was stunned by Irish care worker Michael Flynn in the first round on Monday in Rosmalen, Netherlands. Flynn played the game of his life to beat the World No. 3 6-4. The Irish amateur told Sky Sports: "I laughed when I saw I was playing Van Gerwen. "I text my wife and she said, 'Good, you need to play against these fellas if you are planning on becoming a professional, so just go out and beat him' - and I did.".

According to MVG's close friend Vincent van der Voort, the three-time world champion had been expected to return to the venue on Tuesday. But he was a no-show - despite the venue being 15 minutes from his house. Van der Voort claims it was not because of MVG's loss to Flynn. The Dutchman is reportedly suffering from a foot injury and was resting up ahead of Thursday's Darts Premier League in Dublin. Van Gerwen recently revealed he had broken his toe while on holiday with his family.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS. The 35-year-old jetted off to Asia for a getaway after losing in the PDC World Championship final to Luke Littler. He told reporters: "[It's] annoying, but you can’t do anything about it. "It happened last week on holiday. Accidents can happen. I enjoyed my holiday. I definitely had a nice rest.". Van Gerwen has battled numerous health issues over recent years.

The Dutchman has suffered for years with a troublesome jaw, going under the knife three times. The issues had plagued him to the extent it was affecting both his breathing and sleep. Night 1 - Belfast: Humphries beat Dobey 6-1. Night 2 - Glasgow: Littler beat Humphries 6-5. Night 3 - 3Arena, Dublin - Thursday February 20. Night 4 - Westpoint Exeter - Thursday February 27. Night 5 - The Brighton Centre - Thursday March 6.

Night 6 - Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham - Thursday March 13. Night 7 - Utilita Arena, Cardiff - Thursday March 20. Night 8 - Utilita Arena, Newcastle - Thursday March 27. Night 9 - Uber Arena, Berlin - Thursday April 3. Night 10 - AO Arena, Manchester - Thursday April 10. Night 11 - Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam - Thursday April 17. Night 12 - M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool - Thursday April 24. Night 13 - Utilita Arena, Birmingham, Thursday May 1.

Night 14 - First Direct Arena, Leeds - Thursday May 8. Night 15 - P&J Live, Aberdeen - Thursday May 15. Night 16 - Utilita Arena, Sheffield - Thursday May 22. Play-Offs - The O2, London - Thursday May 29. Van Gerwen has also struggled with gout in his feet, which has affected his work at the oche. Mighty Mike has been drawn against Chris Dobey in Dublin on Thursday. Littler won last week's event in Glasgow, beating World No. 1 Luke Humphries in a thrilling final.