Van Veen makes major change as he targets first title of the season

GIAN VAN VEEN insists he can produce the “same numbers” as last year after making a major change to his game.

The world No3 averaged a stellar 101.54 to dispatch Gabriel Clemens 6-3 in round two of the Flanders Darts Trophy.

Van Veen, 24, has been working on his stance on the oche this week and felt the benefit in Antwerp.

He said: “This week I practised at home a lot. I’m trying to change a couple of things, not on my throw.

“But just on my whole stance at the oche. It worked tonight. It is all in my own head, I know that.

“I know I can produce the same numbers as I did last year. I hope to do that again this year.

“I can feel it coming.

“Last year, every time I felt like I was putting my whole body into it. I am just trying to keep my body relaxed.

“Put my left foot straight on the floor. Not throwing my shoulder into it. I have been practising that this week due to my manager, he told me that.

“I have been practising that the whole week. I tried it on stage today and I felt so much more comfortable.

“Normally when I throw a dart at the higher doubles, I feel like I can snatch it below. Today I didn’t and it gave me so much more confidence.

“I hope I can remember it for every game from now on.”

The Giant is still searching for his first title of the season but has enjoyed a hugely consistent campaign, reaching the World Championship final and World Matchplay semi-final.

Van Veen returns to action on Sunday afternoon and will face Kevin Doets for a place in the quarter-final of the Euro Tour event.

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning