Van Veen admits lack of titles is starting to “eat” at him after World Series heartbreak

GIAN VAN VEEN admits his lack of titles is starting to “eat” at him after another deep run ended in World Series Finals heartbreak.

The world No.3 crashed out in the semi-finals in Amsterdam after suffering an 11-8 defeat to Ross Smith on Sunday evening.

Van Veen, 24, had looked impressive throughout the tournament but struggled to produce his best against Smith, averaging just over 85.

The Dutchman was brutally honest when asked what went wrong after the match.

He quipped to Sportnieuws: “What didn’t?”

Van Veen admitted he already knew he was struggling for energy before he even arrived at the venue after his earlier quarter-final victory over Dirk van Duijvenbode.

He said: “I noticed it already in my hotel room. I felt empty straight away. This afternoon cost a lot of energy and then you try to recharge.

“You arrive here thinking it will be fine again, but then you step on stage and realise the energy isn’t there.

“He really wasn’t great and was there to be had, but he was still much better than me. That hurts.

“That was the case last week and the week before as well. It’s like that every time, but it just doesn’t happen every time.

“Maybe that’s something I’m dealing with too. Winning too few titles as world number 3 is something you want to put right.”

Van Veen has become a regular fixture in the latter stages of major events but believes his trophy cabinet does not reflect his position at the top of the rankings.

He continued: “I want to win those titles. I’m number 3 in the world, but I’ve only won two titles.

“A floor event and the European Championship, that’s it. Never a Euro Tour either. I go far, but it keeps ending in the quarters or the semis. That eats at me, I have to be honest.”

Despite the frustration, Van Veen insists he is not panicking about his lack of silverware.

He said: “I know that once I win, for example, a Euro Tour, things will click. I’m only 24 and we’ve got plenty of time, but at some point you want to make that step.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning