VAN VEEN CHASING DOWN BUNTING FOR TOP FOUR SPOT

GIAN VAN VEEN admits he’s chasing down Stephen Bunting as he looks to break into the world’s top four for the first time.

‘The Giant’ continued his impressive run at the World Championship with a 4-1 win over Madars Razma in round three, averaging 97.41 in a dominant performance.

The Dutchman knows he needs one more victory to overtake Bunting and claim the No.4 spot which guarantees automatic qualification for the Premier League.

Van Veen’s confidence is growing as he continues to prove he belongs among the best in the sport.

He said: “Twelve months ago, I was around 27th or 28th in the world coming into the World Championship, and it’s gone so quickly.

“But I’m not focused on the rankings. I know exactly where I am, but I’m taking it game by game.

“Rankings are important, but the World Championship is more important

“If I win one more game, I know I’m going to overtake Stephen Bunting, so I’m going to pinch myself.”

The 23-year-old is enjoying a breakout season as he won his first ProTour crown at the Players Championship Six.

Van Veen added to this by winning his first major accolade at the European Championships after defeating Luke Humphries in the final.

But Van Veen remains humble, insisting he doesn’t yet consider himself among the elite of the game and prefers to stay out of the spotlight.

He added: “No, I don’t feel like one of the elite players.

“Before this tournament, I’d never won a match here, so I threw all the bookies’ predictions straight out of the window.

“It still feels weird to be world number six. I need to start believing it.

“If I keep playing like I have over the past 12 months, then yes — I’m part of that top group right now.

“As a Dutchman, I’m in Michael’s shadow. As a young player, I’m also in Luke Littler’s shadow. That helps.

“As a human being, you want to be world number one, Dutch number one, world champion.

“But for now, I’m happy being in the shadow… And if I win this tournament, then I’ll step out of it — and I won’t complain.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.