Back in 2023, Gian van Veen entered the World Youth Finals as a heavy favorite with just a month left before the World Championships. In that final he lost to a certain Luke Littler.
Of course, no one would have predicted that the then 17-year-old would achieve such tremendous growth. But it was also a year of steady progress for the 22-year-old van Veen, reaching the quarter-finals of the grand competition. Slam is the last 32 of the World Grand Prix and the last 16 of the UK Open.
Then in Minehead he finally won the elusive World Youth Championship title, defeating fellow Dutchman Jurjen van der Velde 6-5 in a dramatic encounter.
With that huge title and confidence, Van Veen can look back on the past year with many positives, despite his fellow youth stars taking much of the spotlight.
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Van Veen shot an impressive 140 against Gary Anderson at the Grand Slam of Darts.
“Yeah, I think both of our careers have improved since then. Of course, I think his (Littler’s) career is a lot bigger than mine, but I think that’s OK,” Van Veen said.
“I’m just taking it slow. I just want to build on my career. Of course, he’s doing a phenomenal job winning titles, especially on TV, but that’s not something I compare myself to.
“I don’t think any of us can compare to him. I was the favorite in the final last year, but we’ve both had some pretty successful years.
“Last year I reached the semi-finals at the European Championships and I might put even more pressure on myself at the World Championships.
“I also want to show everyone what I can do. But this is not the first time.”
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Van Veen swung the ‘big fish’ against Ross Smith at the World Grand Prix of Darts.
Van Veen hasn’t forgotten how special the World Championships are, admitting he “got goosebumps” when he arrived for his debut last year.
Despite losing 3-2 to Man Lok Leung in the first round, Van Veen, who has the biggest stage experience to date, heads to Ally Pally ready to showcase his talents.
“I hope I do well at the World Championships. Ally Pally is a special place. I got goosebumps when I came in last year,” he added.
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Van Veen recorded an incredible four bull finish over Rob Cross at Winter Gardens.
“Climbing the hill was fantastic in itself. Of course my World Championships didn’t go as planned, but I’m really looking forward to coming back this year and hopefully going better than last year.”
“But this is my second time, so I know what’s around – the stage, the practice range, the crowd, the hotel.
“So I think it will be a little more calm this year. I think it will be a very good tournament. People say you only have to get through the first game at the World Championships.”
“I want to win my first game. That’s my main goal this year. Let’s see how it goes and take it one game at a time. If I make it to the last 16 or even the quarter-finals, I think so. I’ll be really happy. .”
When is the World Darts Championship held?
The tournament takes place at Alexandra Palace on Sunday 15 December, with three first round matches and one second round match on the opening evening.
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Live darts will be played over the next eight days, including seven afternoon sessions, with a three-day break typically from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day before returning for a third round and doubles session on December 27.
The third and fourth rounds of competition will be completed by December 30 before a break on New Year’s Eve, with quarter-finals taking place over two sessions on New Year’s Day, before the semi-finals on January 2 and the final on Friday, January 3.
The full daily schedule for this year’s tournament can be found here.
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match live exclusively on Sky Sports’ dedicated Darts channel from December 15 to January 3. Stream darts and other top sports with NOW.
