Michael van Gerwen says he has more motivation to win than ever following the birth of his first child Zoe - starting at this weekend's Dutch Darts Masters.
The world number one has had a month's break since his heavy defeat to Phil Taylor at the World Matchplay - but this was to celebrate the birth of his daughter Zoe early in August alongside wife Daphne.
He therefore missed the three World Series of Darts tournaments in Auckland, Melbourne and Perth but he will be back in action on Saturday night when he begins his defence of the Dutch Darts Masters title against Jeffrey de Zwaan at the MECC in Maastricht.
Van Gerwen, who is Sky Bet's odds-on favourite to win the event for a fourth successive year, said on his official website: "I'm really looking forward to competing again. It has been a brilliant month with my family and now I have even more motivation to win for them.
"It's perfect for me that my first tournament back is here in Holland and I am determined to win this event again."
On becoming a father, he added: "I've had some fantastic moments in my life but this is the best thing ever. Daphne and I are really happy. Zoë is perfect. We also want to say thanks for all the nice messages we have received since the birth."
