It’s swirling around Ally Pally in London: Saturday is the most important day for darts player Gian van Veen. The young Brabander plays the final of the World Darts Championship against the reigning world champion Luke Littler, with one million pounds at stake. He has the goodwill factor of the Dutch, in the darts palace, with even a few English fans on his side.
If we use the bookmakers have to believe, Van Veen has little chance. Luke Littler seems unbeatable, but Van Veen himself sees opportunities. “I will not be the favorite, but I have the confidence that it is possible,” says the man from Andel.
It’s not surprising that he thinks that. During the semi-final, Van Veen received quite a bit of whistling from the darts fans, against crowd favorite and Flying Scotsman: Gary Anderson.
Boo for Luke the Nuke
However, final opponent and reigning champion Luke Littler does not seem to be clicking with the audience this tournament. The Brit was even booed. Still, he responded coolly: “I don’t care, I really don’t care. You guys are paying for the tickets and my prize money, so thank you for the boo.”
“I’m against Littler, I think Van Veen will do it.”
So it could just be that the audience will sing to Gian. An English supporter already indicates that he is cheering for Van Veen: “I am against Littler, I think Van Veen will do it. There is more to that boy than we have seen so far.”
Trust from the home front
The Dutch fans who were present at his semi-final share that confidence. “He’s going to get it! He’s going to beat Littler in scoring and on doubles. He has the gun factor,” says a fan. A group of Den Bosch residents, dressed in Oeteldonk jackets, also sees it happening: “It’s going to be fine. The audience will support him.”
Regardless of the audience’s reaction, Gian van Veen always seems to remain cool on stage. “I think it’s so amazing that he can remain so calm. I can’t even go to the exciting ones myself legs look, let alone stand there yourself,” says a woman from Den Bosch.
“Gian, seeing you grow into the player you are makes me incredibly proud.”
MvG
Just before the final violence erupts, three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen throws some encouraging words on his Instagram. “Gian, watching you grow into the player you are makes me incredibly proud,” he says. “If the next world championship bears your Dutch name, the future of the sport at home is in very good hands.”
The match between Van Veen and Littler will start around a quarter past nine on Saturday evening. The stakes of the competition are high. In addition to the world title, the winner will walk away with one million pounds. The losing finalist takes ‘only’ four tons.
