Darts legend Matt Clark recently shared that he received a stark warning of ‘rest or die’ after being hospitalized due to a severe blood clot. The 57-year-old player from Dartford had to step away from the World Seniors Tour as doctors emphasized the urgent need for lifestyle changes to safeguard his life.
Having held a PDC Tour Card for several years, including notable performances at the World Championships reaching the last 32 in 2006, Clark faced setbacks leading to his transition to the WDF after losing his Tour Card, with Phil Taylor being a significant factor in halting his progress.
Reflecting on his frightening health scare, Clark recounted, “During the seniors tour, I encountered a life-threatening blood clot in a critical area. The gravity of the situation hit me when the doctor warned that any movement could be fatal.”
He continued, “The medical advice was clear: no work and urgent intervention were necessary to prevent severe consequences like a brain haemorrhage or heart attack.”
Clark shared his challenging journey on a podcast, mentioning, “While qualifying for TV events on the seniors tour, I was undergoing hospital treatments quietly, managing the situation despite the difficulties.”
He added, “The start of the WDF season was marked by hospital restrictions, preventing me from traveling or flying. It wasn’t until February this year, upon discharge, that I could resume playing. Although I still face some ongoing issues, I remain optimistic and focused on recovery.”
Despite his health struggles, Clark has made a remarkable comeback and is set to compete as the No. 7 seed at the WDF World Championship, where he will take on Francois Schweyen from Belgium in the next round.
With significant victories under his belt, including the 1999 Canadian Open title and a quarter-final appearance at the 2008 World Matchplay, Clark’s resilience and determination shine through despite past challenges.
Fans looking forward to the upcoming PDC World Darts Championship starting on December 11 can catch all the action live exclusively on Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle.
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