van veen stuns littler on premier league debut

van veen stuns littler on premier league debut

2026-02-05 sport

Newcastle, donderdag, 5 februari 2026.
Dutch darts rising star Gian van Veen stunned world number one Luke Littler on his Premier League debut in Newcastle. The 6-4 victory marks Van Veen’s first win over Littler in a major event and comes just weeks after his loss in the World Championship final. Despite Littler posting a higher average, Van Veen capitalized on missed doubles to claim a dramatic win. The result shifts momentum in their budding rivalry. Van Veen, recently praised for defeating Michael van Gerwen, enters the elite eight with immediate impact. His performance ignites national excitement in the Netherlands, where darts’ popularity continues to surge. This clash of generations sets the tone for the 2026 season.

van veen stuns littler on premier league debut

Dutch darts rising star Gian van Veen stunned world number one Luke Littler on his Premier League debut in Newcastle, winning 6-4 [1][6]. This marks Van Veen’s first win over Littler in a major event, reversing the outcome of their January 2026 World Championship final where Littler triumphed 7-1 [1][6]. Although Littler posted a higher average of 96.98 compared to Van Veen’s 95.55, the Dutchman capitalized on missed doubles—Littler converted only 4 out of 12—to secure the victory [6]. The result shifts momentum in their burgeoning rivalry and signals Van Veen’s arrival among the elite [6].

rivalry reignited after world championship setback

The encounter marked the first meeting between Van Veen and Littler since the 2026 World Darts Championship final [6]. Prior to this match, Littler led their head-to-head record 4-3, having also defeated Van Veen at the Saudi Arabia Darts Masters on January 21, 2026 [6]. Speaking ahead of the contest, Van Veen acknowledged the psychological challenge, stating, “If you lose five or six times in a row, he’s already 2–0 up before the game starts” [7]. His ability to overcome that mental hurdle underscores his growing resilience at the highest level [7].

premier league spotlight fuels national interest

Van Veen’s performance immediately captured attention in the Netherlands, where darts’ popularity continues to surge [7]. Making his debut in the PDC’s elite eight-player Premier League was described by Van Veen as “a dream come true” [6]. He expressed particular anticipation for the Rotterdam fixture, recalling emotional memories of watching Raymond van Barneveld’s walk-ons as a fan [7]. With strong form following a semi-final appearance at the Masters and a recent victory over Michael van Gerwen, Van Veen enters the 16-night season as the third betting favorite behind Littler and Luke Humphries [7][1].

path forward in a grueling sixteen-week campaign

The 2026 Premier League Darts season spans 16 nights, beginning February 5 in Newcastle and culminating in the final on May 28 at London’s O2 Arena [1][7]. Victory on opening night earned Van Veen five league points and £10,000 in prize money, with additional rewards for progression through playoffs [1]. Upcoming fixtures include matches against Jonny Clayton in Antwerp (February 12) and Gerwyn Price in Glasgow (February 19) [1]. Maintaining consistency across the extensive schedule will be critical for Van Veen’s bid to qualify for the season-ending Finals Night [1].

Bronnen


Gian van Veen Premier League Darts