VAN VEEN READY TO STUN LETHAL LUKES AT WORLD CUP

GIAN VAN VEEN is aiming to silence the hype and send England’s superstar duo packing at the World Cup.  

World No. 23 Van Veen is making his debut and will team up with Danny Noppert for the first time to represent the Netherlands.    

The Dutch duo face a tough group that includes Italy and Hungary.   

With the short-format matches—first to four legs—every mistake can be costly.   

World Youth champ Van Veen admits there is no room for error.  

He said: “The group stage is going to be tough especially the format which is first to four legs so it is very short.  

“Italy made the quarter-final last year where they played phenomenal to beat Australia.   

“So that will be the tough game but I think we should be a clear favourite for the group.  

“We have to be careful and play at our best to hopefully get through that.”  

‘The Giant’ is enjoying a breakout season as he won his first senior PDC title at the Players Championship Six where he overcame world No. 1 Humphries 8-3 in the final.    

Van Veen also defeated teen sensation Luke Littler 7-4 in the semi-final of the German Grand Prix in April with a massive 110 average.    

The 23-year-old is looking to repeat the feat on the big stage.  

Van Veen admits his chemistry with former UK Open champion Noppert could give them a crucial edge over the lethal Lukes in the doubles format.  

He added: “Of course the talk is going to be about Luke [Littler] and Luke [Humphries].    

“But I think if Danny and I both play our own game we have a decent chance of beating them and going further in the tournament.   

“Our relationship is quite strong.  

“We know each other very well. We practice a lot together before tournaments.  

“I think it is very important to know each other’s game and know what checkout routes we both take and doubles we want to leave for each other.  

“It is important to have that connection.  

“If we make the semi-final or final I will be happy. But we are there to win.”  

Van Veen revealed his delight at representing his nation in the competition and outlined his future goals at the oche. 

He admitted: “If someone told me two or three years ago, I would be playing in the World Cup I would not believe them. 

“Especially being from Holland. You always have Michael van Gerwen as number one.   

“Back then you had still had Dirk [van Duijvenbode] who was winning loads of tournaments and Danny [Noppert] was always doing amazing.   

“To take part in this tournament is a dream come true, and I am really looking forward to it.  

“For me I think winning a title on stage. Even if it is a Euro Tour or maybe a major.  

“That would be the next step. Hopefully I can break into the top 16 in the world.  

“Then a whole lot of doors will open.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.