VAN VEEN: I BELONG AMONG THE WORLD’S BEST
14/03/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
GIAN VAN VEEN insists he belongs among the world’s elite after storming into the third round of the European Darts Trophy.
‘The Giant’ averaged 94.18 and produced a stunning 149 checkout as he blew away Krzysztof Ratajski 6-1 to keep his strong European Tour form rolling.
World No.3 Van Veen reached the final of the Poland Masters and is now full of confidence at Gottingen, Germany.
Van Veen believes he is one of the best players in the world but admits his Premier League form has been inconsistent despite sitting fourth in the table.
He said: “You have to, especially in the position I am in now. You play the top players in the world week in and week out, especially in the Premier League.
“You need to believe you are one of the top players and if you don’t believe that you are going to struggle.
“I believe I am one of the top players in the world but I also know I need to show it.
“The Premier League is a bit up and down. I have played some good games and rubbish games. That’s all good and well.
“Last time on the European Tour I made it into the final at Krakow, now a decent performance here. That is all that matters.”
Van Veen returns to action on Sunday afternoon and will face Dutch compatriot Wessel Nijman for a place in the quarter-final at the Lokhalle arena.
The 23-year-old has finished runner-up at three European Tour events and is chasing a first title on the circuit.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
