Martijn Kleermaker will say goodbye to his career as a professional darts player so he can be home for his kids. He wanted to have a last nice result for his kids but when the interviewer told him “This is no fun when your kids are watching you now” he lost is. Kleermaker: “It is oké if I disappoint myself but my kids…”
🗣 "Dat ik mezelf teleurstel okee, maar m'n kinderen.."😓
De emotie komt er even uit bij Martijn Kleermaker, die eerder bekend maakte even te stoppen met darten.
🖥 https://t.co/GHTrUJH3ko#ViaplaySportNL #ViaplayDarts #GSOD pic.twitter.com/Q9r7w1CszR
— Viaplay Sport Nederland (@viaplaysportnl) November 12, 2023
Martijn Kleermaker had previously stated that the Grand Slam of Darts might mark his last appearance as a professional player on the big stage for the foreseeable future. He intends to take a break to be present for his children at home.
At the Grand Slam of Darts, he aims to bid a graceful farewell, but with two 5-4 losses against Rob Cross and Fallon Sherrock, he hasn’t been able to deliver what he envisioned. This led to an emotional moment for him on Sunday night in front of Arjan van der Giessen’s camera, as depicted in these images.
“I’m a realist and speak my mind. I have to choose for myself and my children,” Kleermaker previously shared with Doubletop. “I entered into a new relationship after my divorce, but I rushed into it, and now I want to create stability for my children.” Suddenly, darts isn’t as important when it comes to your children’s happiness.
Also, it’s not yet confirmed that he will step away for an indefinite period, but the outcome at the Grand Slam of Darts, for now, won’t contribute to reconsidering his decision.
His relationship with the mother of his children ended last year. “I’m questioning whether I should continue next year or focus entirely on my two children. The children, with whom Kleermaker shares joint custody, are the top priority. Sometimes, you have to put your own dreams on hold. I’ll do everything for my children. On a scale of 1 to 10, I’m currently at an 8 in terms of hitting the pause button. If I have a poor Grand Slam and don’t qualify for the World Championship, I’ll likely lose my tour card. The chance of me not playing Q-school is very high,” stated the Dutchman.