In a thrilling Premier League Darts showdown, Gian van Veen emerged victorious against Luke Littler, despite not performing at his peak. Their encounter took place in Newcastle, marking van Veen’s impressive debut in the league.
Gian van Veen’s Strong Start
During the first round, van Veen secured three crucial points by defeating both Littler and Jonny Clayton. His victory over Littler, the reigning world champion, provided essential confidence for the young Dutch player, who is only 23 years old.
Reflecting on His Performance
Van Veen admitted, “I didn’t play my A game, but I know I can still win.” He emphasized the importance of winning the first match in a debut like his, to avoid a string of losses that could weigh heavily on a player’s mindset.
- Win against Luke Littler – Premier League debut.
- Overall performance – mixed but effective.
- Secured three points in his premiere week.
Upcoming Challenges
Van Veen is set to face Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals this Thursday in Antwerp. He acknowledged past intimidations faced from Price, against whom he has won only once in nine encounters. Nevertheless, he noted personal growth as a player and expressed readiness to step up.
Luke Littler’s Performance
Meanwhile, Luke Littler’s press engagement was unexpectedly canceled. The teen darting sensation boasts a remarkable track record in Belgium, including consecutive wins at the European Tour. He aims to reclaim his top form, especially against Luke Humphries in their next matchup.
- Back-to-back European Tour titles in Wieze.
- 2025 Premier League season – Remarkable six nightly wins.
Premier League Darts 2026 Season
The competition continues to heat up, with seven-time champion Michael van Gerwen also making his mark. Having secured the night in Newcastle against van Veen, Van Gerwen remains focused on maintaining consistency throughout the season.
As the Premier League Darts unfolds, all eyes will be on van Veen and Littler as they navigate through intense matches and seek to solidify their standings in the league.
