Gian van Veen caused the first major shock of this year’s World Matchplay, toppling reigning World Champion Luke Humphries 10-8 in a result that sent ripples – and probably a few betting slips – fluttering across Blackpool.
The 22-year-old Dutchman, playing in only his second Matchplay, showed absolutely no interest in reputation or ranking as he calmly dismantled one of the sport’s most consistent performers.
Van Veen, who rattled in eight maximums, looked entirely unbothered by the occasion. If he was nervous, he hid it somewhere no camera could find.In the end, the only statistic the world number one could claim the superior on was a checkout – a fabulous crowd-pleasing 146.
Two breaks in and the lads couldn’t be separated, level at 5-5. It was a contest which always had potential long distance written all over it – and it was looking to be the case.
Then at 7-7 and things very much in the balance, Van Veen stole a messy leg against the darts. A break only works if you hold in the next one – and that’s what the Dutchman did to go within one.
And with memories of dropping the ball five times on the same stage last year to another former World and Matchplay Champ, it must have been a relief for Gian when his double hit just as Humphries was eyeing up 9-9.
It’s been a busy few weeks for the “Van Veen Machine” – buying his first house, making his World Cup debut for the Netherlands, and now collecting a maiden Matchplay win.
So, has he grown as a person too?
“Yes very much so. Last year, everything felt new. This year, it doesn’t,” he said. “Maybe I wasn’t quite in the right place back then – now I feel like I belong. I’m just happy to be here, playing in this magnificent tournament.”
“We bought a house a couple of days ago. I told my girlfriend, hopefully I’ll be in Blackpool for a while – and when I get back, I won’t have to do all the hard work!”
Brave Gian – mightly brave given she might just read this!
Asked if he would have won in that same situation 12 months ago, his response was immediate:
“No! Last year I was really nervous on those match darts against Rob Cross – and I missed them all. This time, I was still praying they’d go in… but I felt a lot more confident they would.”
And is this the biggest win of his career so far – given the fact he is the reigning PDC World Youth Champion?
“Yeah… maybe!” he grinned – which, for a Dutchman, is basically a standing ovation. Van Veen now marches into the last 16 and a showdown with a familiar face – his World Cup skipper, Danny Noppert.
One thing’s for sure: a Dutchman will be in the quarter-finals. Just don’t ask which one yet.
—–Ends—–
Images: T Lanning / PDC
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