Gian van Veen admitted he’s “pinching himself” on the prospect of dealing with Luke Littler within the World Darts Championship remaining, simply years after dartitis left him questioning his future within the sport.
The world youth champion got here by an Alexandra Palace traditional to defeat Gary Anderson 6-3 and safe a spot within the remaining in opposition to Littler, who’s aiming to turn out to be simply the fourth participant in historical past to efficiently defend the world title.
Van Veen’s spectacular runs follows a maiden TV-ranked title on the European Championship in October, lifting him to a career-high world No 3 and above compatriot Michael van Gerwen, with the 23-year-old now trying to turn out to be simply the third Dutchman to elevate the Sid Waddell Trophy.
Van Veen will face Littler within the remaining after beating Anderson in an Ally Pally thriller!
He has beforehand struggled with dartitis, a situation that impacts the discharge of the dart, with Van Veen – who can also be color blind – proud to have overcome his previous points to succeed in the largest match of his profession up to now.
“Three or 4 years in the past, I used to be in Barnsley, scuffling with darts and crying on the desk,” Van Veen instructed Sky Sports activities after his victory over Anderson. “Now take a look at me 4 years later – it is all been value it!
“All of the those who work so arduous for me – even my mother and father after I was 12, 13 years outdated, they had been driving me to all my tournaments all over the place within the Netherlands and right here we’re, unbelievable.
Anderson and Van Veen each hit the Massive Fish in a loopy set of darts at Ally Pally!
“I struggled with dartitis for a few years. I had it about 4 years in the past simply earlier than I acquired my tour card. Even again then after I wasn’t struggling, I by no means thought this could occur.
“To be in a World Championship remaining, shouldn’t be even a dream come true as a result of I wasn’t in a position to dream about this, however now it is occurred. I am so completely happy.”
Van Veen misplaced to Littler within the World Youth Championship remaining in 2023 forward of successful the occasion every of the next two years, though he beat ‘The Nuke’ in three of their 5 conferences throughout 2025.
“I am nonetheless pinching myself and nonetheless going additional into the match, so I will not cease pinching myself,” Van Veen added in his press convention. “I am enjoying so effectively this match.
“I believe my lowest common was about 97, 98, so I am feeling actually good on that stage, particularly in these sort of codecs as effectively. As we speak was a really, very lengthy recreation, however nonetheless averaged 103, and the checkout share is admittedly good as effectively.
“It offers me large confidence, after all. Luke Littler is awaiting and everybody is aware of what he is able to, so I have to convey out my A recreation. In any other case, it’ll be a really, very troublesome recreation.”
On the problem he expects in opposition to Littler, who joins Phil Taylor as the one gamers by to the ultimate in every of their first three PDC World Championship appearances, Van Veen added: “Very powerful, as a result of he will put you below stress from set one.
“So hopefully I’ll take my possibilities, sustain with him scoring-wise, as a result of he is most likely the higher scorer than I’m. I simply have to sustain, take my possibilities after which I’ve acquired an opportunity.”
Why Van Veen is a ‘world-class operator’
Sky Sports activities Darts’ Wayne Mardle:
“Within the final yr, Van Veen has gone bingo. Him and Wessel Nijman had been neck and neck however successful that European Championship like he did, Nijman should assume if I can do one thing comparable, I can go bang.
Wayne Mardle previews the World Darts Championship remaining between Littler and Van Veen
“Van Veen has proven he can do it below stress and that is what makes a world-class operator. He has acquired to do all of it once more [against Littler]. It was charming, it was the whole lot you need from skilled sport from begin to end. A few of the customary inside it was simply completely ridiculous.
“Whoever loses [Van Veen or Littler], it would not change whether or not it is the perfect spell of their life or not. It is only a case of cracking on and doing it once more.
“We mentioned Littler and (Luke) Humphries would take part in all these finals for years to come back. We did not see this taking place. However since October, when Van Veen gained the European Championship, he is the one to problem Luke Littler.
“It is an thrilling time for darts.”
Who will win the World Darts Championship? Watch the ultimate stay on Saturday from 7.30pm on Sky Sports activities Darts. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.
