Gian van Veen has admitted that his participation in the US Darts Masters means far more than just another tournament on the World Series of Darts circuit. Less than 18 months ago, the Dutch world number three was walking past Madison Square Garden as a tourist during a stopover in New York. Now, he will be taking to the stage himself in one of the most famous arenas in the world — a moment he openly admits he could hardly have imagined.
Speaking to Online Darts, Van Veen revealed that a difficult period of health problems affected both his game and his confidence. “When I look back at some of my games, I think, ‘That’s not really who I am,’” he said. “I became much more emotional after games, especially after losing, and that’s something I want to change. I want to be the same person I was six or eight months ago and that’s the main goal.” He credited teaming with Michael van Gerwen at the recent World Cup of Darts for giving him a much-needed boost. “Even though we didn’t win it, I really enjoyed my time playing with Michael. I played well, Michael played well, and afterwards on the floor events I made my first quarter-final of the season. It’s about time, but things are getting better.”
Van Veen also reflected on his first Premier League season, calling it a massive learning curve. “I expected it, but when you’re actually in it, you realise how different it is compared to previous years. You’re playing the best players in the world every week. You’re going to lose more games and that does something to your confidence. I really felt that in the Players Championships and European Tour events afterwards.” He added that he is currently in a good place and feels confident about his game, believing the experience will help him become a better player.
On the rise of Dutch darts, Van Veen noted the emergence of Wessel Nijman, Niels Zonneveld and Kevin Doets. “Especially since Michael’s dominance around 2016 and 2017, I don’t think Dutch darts has been in a better place than it is right now. Wessel is dominating on the floor and on the European Tour. He’s playing phenomenally and I think he’s going to do very well in the majors.”
Van Veen also addressed the hug with Luke Humphries after the World Cup final, which stirred debate on social media. “I think because of what happened on social media the week after, people started thinking we weren’t friends anymore or something. But every time we saw each other, everything was okay. We had a quick chat in Copenhagen and then at the World Cup he was simply the better player in the final. I congratulated him and everything was okay. It always has been between us.”
