Gian van Veen emerged victorious at the European Championship by defeating Luke Humphries in a compelling final. The 23-year-old Dutch player displayed remarkable composure to clinch an 11-10 triumph over the top-ranked player in the world.
The intense match at Dortmund’s Westfalenhalle saw Van Veen make a remarkable comeback from a 4-1 deficit, endure missed opportunities, and witness Humphries forcing a deciding set. Nevertheless, Van Veen maintained his nerve and skillfully hit a double 16 to claim his first major title.
In an emotional post-match interview with ITV Sport, the teary-eyed van Veen expressed his astonishment and gratitude for the win, highlighting the significance of capturing his maiden TV title in Germany. He commended Humphries for his exceptional performance and acknowledged the memorable night.
On the other hand, Humphries graciously acknowledged his opponent’s outstanding performance, expressing his disappointment at the loss but accepting defeat gracefully.
Following his triumph, Van Veen earned a substantial £120,000 prize, elevating him to seventh place in the PDC Order of Merit and placing him within reach of a top-five ranking.
Van Veen faced several challenges en route to the final, including victories over Damon Heta, Ryan Searle, and Ryan Joyce. His semi-final clash with Michael van Gerwen was particularly tense, culminating in an 11-10 win despite sustaining a minor injury to his throwing hand during the match.
Despite the injury, Van Veen persevered and managed to secure the championship by defeating Humphries in a thrilling final showdown.
