Van Veen opens up on “tough moments” as pressure mounts following his stunning rise

GIAN VAN VEEN admits there have been “tough moments” as he adjusts to the pressure of being among the elite.

The Dutchman shot up the rankings after reaching the Alexandra Palace showpiece, where he lost 7-1 to Luke Littler.

Van Veen, 24, says his stunning rise has changed the expectations around him, with simply producing deep runs no longer enough.

He told Het Nieuwsblad: “Nine months on it still feels surreal to have played that World Championship final.

“There’s a lot more that comes with it now: everyone expects you to go deep and/or win tournaments.

“But a year ago I was still 20th on the world rankings. It’s not like I’m that much better now as world number three.

“So there are tough moments too, but you learn from those as well.”

The Giant has made four finals across the major, World Series and European Tour stage this campaign but is still waiting for his first title.

Van Veen also reached a career-high world No2 earlier this year before Luke Humphries reclaimed second spot less than a month later.

The European Champ insists his focus cannot simply be on collecting trophies after a gruelling first season in the Premier League.

He added: “There’s more to it than just winning titles. Of course expectations for me are very high and I fully understand that.

“That’s what I’ll be judged on in the end, fine. I do that myself too. But I’m quite happy with my consistently high level, especially at TV events.

“I also skipped part of the floor events because of the Premier League.

“I had to, otherwise I would have run myself into the ground. I also went to Australia and New Zealand for the World Series. It’s all about planning in a season like this.”

Van Veen is satisfied with his season so far but admits there is still room for improvement.

He continued: “I’d give my year so far a 7 out of 10. At the majors it has been good so far, with semi-finals at the World Masters and World Matchplay.

“And of course the final at the World Cup with Michael. The European Tour is also starting to click.

“The floor has been less, but after finishing the Premier League I’m trying to put that right gradually.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning