Gian van Veen delivered a career-defining performance to stun Luke Humphries and book his place in the Paddy Power World Darts Championship semi-finals on a dramatic New Year’s Day at Alexandra Palace.
The 23-year-old European Champion produced a scintillating 5-1 victory over the world number two, averaging 105.41 and firing in 11 maximums to continue his remarkable dominance over Humphries, having now won all five of their meetings. It capped a stunning breakthrough run for Van Veen, who arrived at the tournament without a single World Championship win.
“I am so over the moon – I’m so proud,” beamed Van Veen, who will become the new Dutch number one after this year’s tournament. “I felt really, really good today. Luke is a fantastic player, and you know that you have to perform at your best to beat him.
“I always said the European Championship would be my best ever win, but this is probably the biggest win of my career. This feeling is indescribable!”
After sharing the opening two sets, Van Veen seized control with a crucial third-set victory before producing a sensational 170 checkout and a ten-darter to lead 3-1. He survived a tense fifth-set decider and sealed victory in style with an 11-darter to reach his maiden semi-final.
Elsewhere, reigning champion Luke Littler maintained his title defence with a ruthless straight-sets demolition of Krzysztof Ratajski. A stunning 170 finish proved pivotal in the opening set, triggering a seven-leg burst that put the teenager firmly in control.
“I didn’t feel comfortable tonight, but a win is a win,” said Littler. “I was changing the way I was holding my dart, but hopefully now I’m playing day after day, I will perform better tomorrow.
“I think that first set was crucial. I’ve not gone a set down in this tournament yet, and to win the set by hitting the big fish, it felt even better!”
Ryan Searle joined Littler in the last four after overcoming Jonny Clayton 5-2, racing into a 3-0 lead before clinching a landmark win.
“It’s a special feeling,” admitted Searle. “My scoring wasn’t great today, but I felt like in the high-pressure moments, I was finding some really good finishes.”
The quarter-finals concluded with Gary Anderson defeating debutant Justin Hood 5-2 to reach his eighth World Championship semi-final.
“The crowd today – I’ve never heard noise like it,” said Anderson. “Justin [Hood] will take that to his grave with him… I don’t think it makes any difference who you play now.”
The semi-finals take place on Friday evening, with Littler facing Searle before Van Veen meets Anderson.
Source: PDC.TV
