Gian van Veen emerged victorious in the European Championship after a remarkable win against Luke Humphries. The 23-year-old Dutch player displayed remarkable composure to secure an 11-10 triumph over the top-ranked player in the world.
The atmosphere at Dortmund’s Westfalenhalle was tense as Van Veen staged a comeback from a 4-1 deficit, faced a crucial missed opportunity on double tops, and saw Humphries force a final set by hitting the bull. Despite the pressure, Van Veen remained composed and sealed the victory with a decisive double 16, claiming his first major title.
In an emotional interview with ITV Sport following his win, Van Veen expressed his disbelief and gratitude for the momentous victory. He praised the crowd and his opponent, acknowledging the significance of winning his first major title in Germany.
Humphries, graciously acknowledging his opponent’s performance, expressed disappointment at the outcome but accepted defeat. Van Veen’s triumph not only earned him a substantial £120,000 prize but also propelled him to seventh place in the PDC Order of Merit, positioning him just over £50,000 away from a top-five ranking.
Van Veen faced formidable challenges en route to the final, including victories over Damon Heta, Ryan Searle, Ryan Joyce, and a tense encounter with Michael van Gerwen in the semi-finals. Despite sustaining a minor injury to his throwing hand during the match, Van Veen persevered and overcame the obstacle to secure victory.
The injury, which caused some bleeding on his thumb, did not deter Van Veen’s determination and focus during the final against Humphries. His resilience and mental strength were evident throughout the competition, culminating in his well-deserved European Championship win.
