Van Veen one of many caught in luggage chaos on World Series trip Down Under

GIAN VAN VEEN was among a long line of travellers left waiting for their luggage ahead of the New Zealand Masters.

The world No2 was handed his first World Series call-up Down Under as he continues to establish himself among the PDC elite.

Van Veen, 24, travelled to Auckland with girlfriend Kyana Frauenfelder and reached the quarter-finals before Jonny Clayton went on to lift the title.

But the Dutchman was unable to prepare as planned and was forced to improvise while waiting for his suitcases to make their way from Paris.

He told the Darts Draait Door podcast: “We weren’t the only ones, there was a long line of people whose suitcases hadn’t arrived.

“We shopped here day by day for the next day, because they said the suitcases would be back quickly.”

After several days without their belongings, Van Veen and Frauenfelder had to find another way of managing the situation without constantly spending money on new clothes.

He added: “On Wednesday we requested a laundry service at the hotel, because that was much cheaper than buying two new outfits again. That got us through those days.”

Their baggage finally arrived at their hotel on Thursday evening, ending several days of uncertainty and allowing Van Veen to get back to using his own equipment.

Van Veen now turns his attention to the Australian Darts Masters on Friday as he looks to finally get his hands on silverware this season.

The Giant has already reached two finals in 2026 after finishing runner-up at the World Championship and Poland Darts Open.

Van Veen is now aiming to go one better and secure the third ranking title of his career.

The European champ has enjoyed his first taste of life in Wollongong and has welcomed the cooler conditions.

He continued: “I’d rather be here at eighteen degrees than be throwing in 35 degrees.

“We had some sun the first few days, so it was lovely then. Afterwards there was a lot of rain, but that’s winter as well. So that was to be expected.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning