Gian van Veen shatters Euro Tour record average in blistering display to show doubters 'I am still here'

RECORD-BUSTER Gian van Veen proved he's "still here" after making history in Maastricht.

The Dutch superstar produced the highest-ever average in Euro Tour with a mark of 120.24 during his whitewash blitz of Sebastian Bialecki.

Van Veen eclipsed both the shellshocked Pole by 6-0 and also the match figure set by Dave Chisnall eight years ago of 118.66 during a scintillating show.

Asked how he felt afterwards, he smiled: "I'm tired! No, really, 120 average? Of course I knew I was playing well. I saw after that 180 in the last leg I was 126 and I was like: Just get this done in six. I didn't, but in eight.

"Average is nice and it feels fantastic to have that record because Chizzy has been such a fantastic player on the European Tour for many, many years, but it's another win, that's what matters.

"Tomorrow, if I average 90 and still win the game, I am still happy, but this shows that I have still got it in my locker. A lot of people were doubting me a couple of months ago. They still are, but I am still here."

At one stage, van Veen had the chance to beat Michael van Gerwen's all-time record TV average of 123.40 set a decade ago. However, he fell just short and smiled: "I love Michael, so he can have that one! But, as I said, I was 126 up until then and I hit a 60 and the crowd was booing me! I felt really good and it showed.

"The crowd was fantastic, thank you. It's crazy. Tonight they were only for me and not against my opponent. Maybe that's because it was a bit of a one-sided game, you never know. Hopefully, it is going to be the same tomorrow."

Image: Jenny Segers/PDC Europe