Professional darts player Matt Clark has recently shared a harrowing experience of being advised to ‘rest or die’ after being hospitalized due to a severe blood clot. The 57-year-old athlete, known as ‘Superman,’ had to withdraw from the World Seniors Tour when doctors warned him that his life was at risk unless he made significant lifestyle changes.
Clark, who held a PDC Tour Card for several years, achieved his best performance at the World Championships in 2006, reaching the last 32 before being defeated by Phil Taylor. After losing his Tour Card, he transitioned to the WDF circuit.
Recalling his health scare, Clark revealed the gravity of the situation, stating, “Midway through the seniors tour, I got a life-threatening blood clot in a critical area.” He emphasized the seriousness of the issue by recounting the doctor’s warning that any movement could be fatal.
Despite his health challenges, Clark remained resilient and continued to compete. He disclosed that he received hospital treatment during the TV events he qualified for and had to abide by medical guidance during the start of the WDF season. Only after being discharged from the hospital in February did he resume playing, although he continues to deal with ongoing health issues.
Remarkably, Clark has made a comeback to the WDF World Championship as the No. 7 seed and is set to face Francois Schweyen from Belgium in the next round. Over the years, Clark has achieved notable successes in darts, including winning the 1999 Canadian Open and reaching the quarter-finals of the 2008 World Matchplay.
Despite facing adversity, Clark remains determined and optimistic about his future in the sport. Fans can catch the action at the upcoming PDC World Darts Championship starting on December 11, with exclusive live coverage available on Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle.