Darts professional Matt Clark recently shared a harrowing experience where he faced a life-threatening blood clot that led to his hospitalization. The 57-year-old athlete, known for his stint on the PDC Tour Card between 2003 and 2017, and later from 2019 to 2022, had to step back from the World Seniors Tour after doctors cautioned that his life was in jeopardy unless he made significant lifestyle changes.
Clark, who achieved a commendable performance at the 2006 World Championships reaching the last 32 before being stopped by Phil Taylor, made the transition to the WDF after losing his Tour Card.
In a candid discussion about his health scare, Clark recounted the critical moment when doctors warned him about the seriousness of his condition. He reflected, “Midway through the seniors tour, I got a life-threatening blood clot in a not very pleasant place. When you are literally sat in front of a doctor and they say, ‘If you do anything and that moves, you’re dead,’ it kind of gives you a new perspective on life.”
He further explained, “They said, ‘You cannot go to work. If we don’t get that under control, you’re either going to have a brain haemorrhage or a heart attack. It’s as simple as that.'”
During an appearance on the Tungsten Tales podcast, Clark revealed that he underwent hospital treatment while participating in TV events for the seniors tour. Despite facing health challenges, he remained resilient and returned to competitive play after being discharged from the hospital earlier this year.
Remarkably, Clark has made a comeback to the WDF World Championship as the No. 7 seed and is set to compete against Belgium’s Francois Schweyen in the last 16 round. With notable victories in past tournaments, including the 1999 Canadian Open title and a quarter-final appearance at the 2008 World Matchplay, Clark’s determination and perseverance have been evident throughout his career.
As the PDC World Darts Championship kicks off on December 11, fans can catch all the action live exclusively on Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle.