Gian van Veen is stepping into the spotlight, openly embracing his role as the “villain” in the ongoing rivalry with World No. 1 Luke Littler. Van Veen, a 23-year-old darts player from the Netherlands, recently advanced to the quarter-finals of the World Masters after a decisive 4-2 victory over Nathan Aspinall.
Rivalry with Luke Littler
In preparation for his next match against Littler, scheduled for Thursday in Newcastle, Van Veen expressed enthusiasm for renewing their competitive spirit. Drawing parallels to the historic battles between darts legends Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld, he stated, “I hope this couple of years, it’s going to be the same between Luke and me.”
Motivation and Expectations
Van Veen noted that the rivalry serves as motivation rather than a hindrance. He reflected on their previous encounters, particularly the World Final, where he faced a tough defeat. He remarked, “Everyone talked about the World Final. They expected it to be much closer than it was.” However, he remains optimistic about future clashes, emphasizing, “If it doesn’t happen on Thursday, hopefully, we’ll play many more times in the Premier League.”
Analysis of Playing Styles
While acknowledging Littler’s prowess as a player, Van Veen believes that the shorter format of the Premier League provides opportunities for an upset. He commented, “He’s a fantastic player, but I know he’s beatable in the best-of-11 format.”
Van Veen’s Future Aspirations
Van Veen is focused on carving his own path in the world of darts. He’s looking forward to the upcoming match and the chance to establish a personal legacy, while also hinting at the excitement of a long-lasting rivalry. This match not only marks a critical point for both players but also for fans who eagerly anticipate their continued clashes.
- Gian van Veen: Dutch darts player, 23 years old.
- Luke Littler: Current World No. 1.
- Match Date: Thursday, in Newcastle.
- Recent Performance: Van Veen won against Nathan Aspinall (4-2).
- Historical Comparison: Likens rivalry to Taylor vs. Barneveld.
The stage is set for an exciting duel, and both players seem keen to leave their mark in this electrifying rivalry that darts fans will not want to miss.
