Van Veen fumes over ‘poor’ display despite breaking new ground in Blackpool

GIAN VAN VEEN admits he was “poor” despite battling into his maiden World Matchplay semi-final.

The world No3 beat James Wade 16-13 after averaging 93.04 in a nervy affair.

Van Veen, 24, has enjoyed a sensational campaign, reaching the World Championship final and making the last four of the World Masters.

The Giant faced Wade at the same stage of the tournament last year and suffered a 16-13 defeat but used that experience to go one step further this time around.

He said: "It felt very poor! My scoring was so terrible.

“I was so lucky James wasn't scoring as well and my finishing got me through.

“The backend was okay. I was struggling up here.

"The 118 finish - I really needed it. It was a tight battle but I'm glad I got the job done.

“I felt good going into this match but as soon as I got up here my first dart was dropping low.

“It has been the same for the past couple of months probably. I am in the semi-finals of the World Matchplay.

“Even though I am not playing as well I am still here. I have 20 hours to put that right.

"Hopefully tomorrow I will be a lot better because I need to against Gezzy [Price].

“This is the second biggest major after the World Championships so I am so happy to get to the semi-finals.

“I am enjoying it. Even though it didn’t look like it today.”

Van Veen raced into an 11-7 lead, but Wade stormed back with three brilliant bullseye checkouts to level the contest at 12-12.

The Dutchman responded in style, pinning a clinical 64 before producing a sensational 118 finish with Wade waiting on 24 to move 14-12 ahead.

Wade hit back with another brilliant 121 checkout but then gifted Van Veen the chance after failing to leave a finish on 80.

The reigning European champ punished the mistake with a clinical 75 checkout before sealing victory on tops.

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning