VAN VEEN STILL BATTLING KIDNEY STONE EFFECTS

GIAN VAN VEEN has admitted he is still battling the effects of kidney stones despite making a swift return to action.

The Dutch star underwent surgery for the issue late last month but was back on the oche almost immediately, missing just Night Seven of the Premier League in Dublin.

World No.3 Van Veen slipped to a 6-4 quarter-final defeat against Michael van Gerwen in Brighton yesterday on Night Ten of the major tournament.

The Giant currently sits fifth in the table and is four points adrift of the play-off places despite reaching FOUR nightly finals this season.

But Van Veen has revealed he is still not fully fit, with fatigue continuing to affect him on the big stage. 

He told Viaplay: “Yes, of course I’m very disappointed.  

“I think the scoring wasn’t great today, but it was a lot better than in recent weeks. 

“On the finishing I’m just letting it go. Look, he helps me a lot in the match.  

“I’m well aware of that, that he misses a lot of chances, which at least allows me to hang in there.  

“But I miss chances to get in front too. And that annoys me. 

“It was just an important match today. The connection is a bit gone now. 

“I feel good but I do notice my first dart often dips a bit. I’ve just lost some strength and energy.” 

Van Veen endured another setback at the German Darts Grand Prix last weekend, dumped out in the second round following a 6-2 loss to William O’Connor. 

He added: “Last Saturday at the Euro Tour I had to play the final match of the evening and my energy was completely gone. 

“Today it was fine, so it didn’t come down to that. But I’m definitely still recovering.” 

Van Veen is relishing the chance to perform in front of a home crowd in Rotterdam on Night 11 of the Premier League, where he faces Luke Humphries. 

The 23-year-old will skip next week’s ProTour double-header as he looks to prioritise rest and return to peak condition. 

He continued: “I’ve got two exhibitions this weekend, which will feel like getting some practice hours in. But rest is very important too. 

“I saw my name on the [Players Championship] list, but I won’t be there.

“I’ll stay in the Netherlands on Monday and Tuesday. I’m skipping these. I will play the next two.

“I’m really, really looking forward to it, honestly can’t wait. 

“I even had a special shirt made for Ahoy. That says it all. 

“You don’t play in the Netherlands that often, usually only the Euro Tour.  

“But when you play Premier League at Ahoy… that’s something you really look forward to.  

“When I got the invite, I immediately thought: I get to play at Ahoy.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.