Gian van Veen made an impressive debut at the 2025 Grand Slam of Darts, triumphing over veteran Lisa Ashton in a closely contested match. The event took place in Wolverhampton, where Van Veen secured a narrow 5-4 victory, displaying both skill and determination.
Match Highlights
Van Veen, the newly crowned European Champion, faced a tough challenge from Ashton, bolstered by strong crowd support. Though he initially took a 1-0 lead, the match’s intensity quickly became apparent as Ashton capitalized on Van Veen’s early mistakes.
Closing Moments
- Van Veen struggled with his doubles but regained composure in the final leg.
- He reached a score of 68 after twelve darts, sealing the match with relief.
- Despite crowd boos, he remained focused and determined.
Path to Victory
After the match, Van Veen reflected on the unique pressure he felt during the game. He expressed gratitude for coming out on top, saying, “Luckily I pulled it out in the end.” This experience, although challenging, he believes contributes to his growth as a player.
Van Veen also shared how his recent successes, particularly in Dortmund, have improved his mental strength. He recognized that a year ago, he may not have prevailed in such a tight match. “Today I showed I can take that with me,” he noted.
Looking Ahead
Aiming for a successful tournament, Van Veen set clear goals. “I just want to win all my three group matches,” he stated, understanding the importance of each leg. He is aware of his next opponent, Wessel Nijman, who impressed with his performance against Josh Rock earlier in the tournament.
Future Challenges
Van Veen also acknowledged the dynamics of competing against female players like Ashton, noting the audience’s enthusiastic support for them. He aims to build strategies for future matches, including a potential showdown with Beau Greaves.
With each match, Van Veen is steadily solidifying his place in the competitive darts scene, highlighting the importance of the Grand Slam for his career progression. The upcoming match against Nijman promises to be a crucial test of skill and resolve as he strives to become a leading contender in the event.
