In a significant blow to the Premier League Darts schedule, rising star Gian van Veen has been hospitalised after being diagnosed with kidney stones, forcing his withdrawal from night seven in Dublin. The 23-year-old Dutchman, who made headlines as the World Championship runner-up earlier this year, will miss the crucial event at the 3Arena on Thursday evening.
Medical Emergency Forces Withdrawal
Van Veen, currently ranked fourth in the Premier League standings, remains under medical care following the sudden diagnosis. His absence disrupts the tournament lineup, as he was scheduled to face fellow Dutchman Michael van Gerwen in a highly anticipated quarter-final clash. This development comes after Van Veen's impressive start to the season, securing three runner-up finishes in the opening six rounds.
Impact on Tournament Proceedings
As a result of Van Veen's withdrawal, Michael van Gerwen will receive a bye directly into the semi-finals. Van Gerwen will also be awarded two league points and a plus one leg difference, while Van Veen's leg difference will be penalised by minus six. This scenario echoes an earlier incident in the season when Van Gerwen himself withdrew due to illness, granting Luke Littler a similar advantage.
Van Gerwen has struggled to regain momentum since his return, failing to secure a victory in the past three weeks. His path to the semi-finals now sees him awaiting the winner of the match between Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting.
Remaining Quarter-Final Matchups
With Van Veen out, the focus shifts to the other quarter-final contests. Jonny Clayton, who holds an eight-point lead at the top of the standings, will face world number two Luke Humphries. Meanwhile, Luke Littler takes on Stephen Bunting, and Josh Rock aims for his first win of the competition against Gerwyn Price.
Standings and Finals Night Implications
The Premier League table currently sees Clayton, Littler, Price, and Van Veen occupying the top four positions, which would qualify them for finals night at London's O2 Arena on 28 May. Defending champion Luke Humphries sits just outside these spots, but with ten weeks of action remaining, the standings are far from settled.
Van Veen's hospitalisation adds an unexpected twist to the season, highlighting the physical demands of professional darts. His recovery timeline remains unclear, potentially affecting his bid for a finals night berth. The tournament continues amidst these developments, with players adjusting to the revised schedule and points distribution.
