Darts fans witnessed a stunning display of talent as Gian van Veen secured his spot in the semi-finals of the Poland Darts Open. The Dutch sensation, currently ranked World No. 3, delivered a phenomenal performance, defeating compatriot Wessel Nijman 6-2 with an incredible 107.5 average and a decisive 130 checkout. His dominant victory sets up an exciting clash with reigning World Champion Luke Humphries in the next round.
The final quarter-final match at the Poland Darts Open in Krakow featured an all-Dutch showdown between rising star Gian van Veen and Wessel Nijman. Van Veen had navigated a tricky path to the quarters, needing deciding legs against Andrew Gilding and Nathan Aspinall. Nijman, on the other hand, had shown impressive form, recording 100+ averages in convincing wins over darts legends Gary Anderson and Cameron Menzies in his previous two matches.
Both players started the match with blistering pace, showcasing their intent from the off. Nijman began the opening leg with five perfect darts, a testament to his confidence. However, it was Van Veen who drew first blood, completing his own leg in just 11 darts after starting the throw, denying Nijman a shot at a double.
Nijman then faltered in his own leg, unable to finish within 15 darts. Van Veen seized this opportunity with ruthless efficiency, executing a superb 107 checkout to secure an early break of throw. He followed this up with another stunning leg, a 12-darter, quickly extending his lead to 3-0 and establishing a significant advantage.
Nijman fought back, holding his own throw with a 13-darter to make it 3-1. In the subsequent leg, Van Veen missed doubles to close out 68, allowing Nijman to break back via tops, narrowing the gap to 3-2.
However, Nijman’s momentum was short-lived. Van Veen immediately responded in the sixth leg with his second 12-darter of the match, breaking straight back to restore his two-leg cushion. ‘The Giant’ then consolidated this break with a maximum score (180) and a solid double 16 finish, moving comfortably ahead at 5-2.
The World No. 3 didn’t waste any time closing out the match. In the very next leg, Van Veen produced a moment of magic, sealing his dominant 6-2 victory with an emphatic 130 checkout.
Key Match Statistics:
- Gian van Veen:
- Average: 107.50
- Double Percentage: 50%
- Wessel Nijman:
- Average: 96.09
- Double Percentage: 66.7%
With this commanding performance, Gian van Veen joins an elite group in the semi-finals. The other players who advanced in Krakow are:
- Luke Littler (who defeated Josh Rock 6-1)
- Chris Dobey (who overcame Michael Smith 6-2)
- Luke Humphries (who secured a 6-1 win against Stephen Bunting)
Van Veen’s next challenge will be a highly anticipated encounter against the reigning World Champion, Luke Humphries, promising a thrilling battle for a spot in the final.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
