Van Veen goes into Euros defence on a record-breaking high

GIAN VAN VEEN hit out at the doubters and vowed he’s “still here” after smashing the Euro Tour average record.

The flying Dutchman goes into his European Championship defence bang on form against Andrew Gilding on Thursday night in Dortmund.

Van Veen hit a 120.24 average at the weekend, the highest-ever in Euro Tour history, breaking Dave Chisnall’s eight-year-old high of 118.66.

Ironically it was the last time ‘The Giant’, who lost out to Luke Littler in the World Championship final, played with Red Dragon Darts.

He left them after 12 years for sister firm Winmau earlier this week, joining Michael van Gerwen representing the same brand.

GVV said: “I joined Red Dragon when I was just 12 years old, and they’ve backed me every step of the way since.

“We have shared some incredible moments together. The World Youth titles, the World Championship final and lifting the European Championship trophy in Dortmund.

“My dream has become reality and I’ll always be grateful for that.”

Van Veen returns to Dortmund this week with his place amongst the darts elite established.

The Dutch star's success at the Westfalenhallen 12 months ago sparked a spectacular surge of form which made him Littler's nearest-challenger in the eyes of many observers.

Intriguingly, however, Van Veen returns to the scene of last year's success having failed to register another major title since.

So how are the chances of the 24-year-old rated heading into his title defence?

The signs were there a year ago. Van Veen had ended Luke Littler's 19-match winning streak in a Players Championship before winning his first ranking PDC title the next day.

That was a prelude to his victory over Luke Humphries by 11-10 in the Euros Final and, from there, the ascent was maintained.

Van Veen subsequently won his second World Youth Championship and only Littler was too good at the Alexandra Palace when the Dutch ace reached his first-ever World Championship Final.

That put van Veen into the Premier League for the first time and he also reached his maiden World Series Final at the Bahrain Darts Masters.

At that stage, he was flying, but the results dried up during a frustrating summer on close shaves, hampered by a kidney illness and operation.

He came seventh in his debut campaign in the PL. Van Veen made semi-final appearances at the Masters, the Matchplay and the World Series Finals, but was unable to push on and grab a title. The Final of the World Cup was another near miss.

But Van Veen gave glimpses again in Maastricht last weekend that another title could be just around the corner and a successful defence possible.

His stunning show against Sebastian Bialecki saw him post a record Euro Tour average of 120.24. He lost out to Danny Noppert in the last four, but the peak was special.

After that display, he said: “This shows that I have still got it in my locker. A lot of people were doubting me a couple of months ago. They still are, but I am still here.”

Images by Taylor Lanning.