Gian van Veen emerged victorious in the European Championship after a remarkable win over Luke Humphries. The 23-year-old Dutch player displayed remarkable composure to secure an 11-10 victory against the current World No. 1.
The tense atmosphere at Dortmund’s Westfalenhalle saw Van Veen make a comeback from being 4-1 behind, endure missed opportunities, and witness Humphries forcing a decisive set by hitting the bullseye. Demonstrating nerves of steel, Van Veen eventually sealed the win with a double 16, claiming his first major title.
Following his win, Van Veen, visibly emotional, expressed his astonishment, stating, “Crazy. I said it to my girlfriend when I walked on stage, whenever I win my first TV title, I wouldn’t cry and here I am crying.” He praised the crowd and highlighted the significance of winning his first major championship in Germany.
In a gracious acknowledgment of his opponent, Luke Humphries, who put up a remarkable performance, Van Veen acknowledged Humphries’ skill, remarking, “That is why he is world number one.” Humphries, also known as ‘Cool Hand’ Luke, expressed disappointment at the loss but accepted defeat gracefully.
Van Veen’s triumph earned him a substantial £120,000 prize, propelling him to seventh place in the PDC Order of Merit, climbing eight spots closer to a top-five position. His journey to the final was challenging, with victories over Damon Heta, Ryan Searle, Ryan Joyce, and a nail-biting win against Michael van Gerwen in the semi-finals.
During his semi-final clash, Van Veen sustained a minor injury to his throwing hand due to the pressure of his technique. Despite the injury, he persevered, showcasing his determination and resilience. The injury, though inconvenient, did not hinder his performance in the final against Humphries, ultimately leading to his European Championship victory.
