Gian van Veen produced a stunning performance to defeat Gary Anderson 6-3 in a thrilling semi-final at the PDC World Darts Championship, setting up a final showdown with teenage sensation Luke Littler. The 23-year-old Dutchman showed immense composure to overcome the two-time world champion in a match that will be remembered as one of the greatest in the tournament's history.
Van Veen raced into a 4-1 lead, converting 12 of his first 15 attempts at double, before Anderson mounted a fierce comeback. The 55-year-old Scot, roared on by the Alexandra Palace crowd, hit 14 maximum 180s and averaged 103, but van Veen held his nerve to win the deciding leg of the ninth set with a 180 and a 140. Anderson's 46% checkout rate was not enough to deny the Dutchman, who averaged 102 and hit 12 180s.
The fifth set was particularly spectacular, with Anderson opening with a 10-dart leg and a 12-darter featuring a 170 finish. Van Veen responded with an 11-darter and a 170 finish of his own, before closing out the set in 15 darts. 'It was a performance of unbelievable character,' said commentators, as van Veen collapsed with emotion after the match.
Earlier, Littler cruised into the final with a 6-1 victory over Ryan Searle, averaging 105.4 and winning 20 of 28 legs. The 18-year-old appeared frustrated at not hitting a nine-dart finish, underlining his relentless pursuit of perfection. The final will see the two former youth champions meet, having first faced each other in the 2023 World Youth Championship final.
Van Veen, who has overcome dartitis and holds a degree in aviation engineering, will be the underdog against the swaggering Littler. However, his supreme doubling ability—the best on the tour by almost three percentage points—could prove crucial. The final, a best-of-13 sets match, promises to be a fascinating contrast in styles and personalities.
