Michael van Gerwen will miss the Players Championship Finals for the first time in his career after withdrawing from Wednesday's ProTour event in Wigan.

The seven-time champion was already outside the qualifying spots for the prestigious tournament next month and has opted to skip the last three qualifying events.

He could have reached the top 64 with a win in the Players Championship 32 but has decided to return home.

Van Gerwen is languishing in 93rd position in the Players Championship Order of Merit, and with only the top 64 qualifying for November's ranked major at the Butlins Minehead Resort, the Dutchman has called time early on his quest to qualify.

Instead, the 36-year-old three-time world champion is set to put family first by spending time with his children amid his separati

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