Gian van Veen is embracing a career-defining moment as he prepares to face his darting hero Gary Anderson in the Paddy Power World Darts Championship semi-finals at Alexandra Palace.

The 23-year-old Dutchman has already etched his name into the history books, reaching his first World Championship semi-final and moving up to world number three in the process. His remarkable run in London has also ended Michael van Gerwen’s long-standing reign as Dutch number one, a milestone Van Veen admits once felt impossible.

“With the prize money increases, we all knew the World Championship was going to have a big affect on the world rankings,” admitted Van Veen.

“To be the Dutch number one and the world number three – it’s an amazing feeling, and I couldn’t even dream of this when I was a little kid.”

Having previously exited early in his first two Ally Pally appearances, Van Veen has responded in emphatic fashion this year, defeating Cristo Reyes, Alan Soutar, Madars Razma, Charlie Manby and Luke Humphries to storm into the last four. His quarter-final demolition of Humphries stood out as a statement performance, as he averaged close to 106, struck 11 maximums and sealed victory with a series of clinical finishes.

“This performance was something special,” conceded Van Veen.

“I’m so happy to show what I’m capable of on this stage, and in such a high-pressure game.”

Now standing between Van Veen and a place in Saturday’s final is Anderson, a two-time World Champion enjoying a resurgence of form. Despite the scale of the challenge, the reigning two-time World Youth Champion is eager to savour the occasion.

“I’m just going to enjoy the game,” Van Veen continued.

“Gary is my darting idol. I’m really looking forward to sharing the biggest stage of them all with him, and hopefully it’s going to be a great game.”

As history beckons, Van Veen heads into the semi-finals with confidence, composure, and the freedom of a player fulfilling a childhood dream.

Source: PDC.TV