Gian van Veen produced a stunning performance to defeat 2024 champion Luke Humphries 5-1 and reach the semi-finals of the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. The Dutchman, already European champion and world number three, cemented his status as a rising force in the sport.
Humphries, who had been favourite to retain his title, struggled against Van Veen's relentless scoring. Van Veen's victory means that for the first time in two decades, the Dutch number one is neither Raymond van Barneveld nor Michael van Gerwen. Van Veen acknowledged the significance, saying, 'Growing up as a Dutchman, the goal was always to be number two, because in my head, you cannot overtake Michael van Gerwen.'
In the other quarter-final, world champion Luke Littler breezed past Krzysztof Ratajski 5-0 in a 33-minute exhibition. Littler faced some boos on arrival but won over the crowd with a dominant display. He will face Ryan Searle in the semi-finals, while Van Veen meets Gary Anderson.
Anderson, 55, advanced by defeating Justin Hood 5-2 in the afternoon session. Despite his age and relaxed approach to practice, Anderson remains a threat, seeking his third world title. Searle also progressed, beating Jonny Clayton 5-2, dropping his first two sets of the tournament.
The night marked a changing of the guard, with young talents like Van Veen and Littler stepping into the spotlight alongside seasoned campaigners like Anderson and Searle.
