“99% of players who beat Phil Taylor lost the next game – I wanted to prove them wrong” - Gian van Veen averts Humphries hangover to reach World Matchplay quarters

Gian van Veen is through to the quarter-finals for the first time at the World Matchplay. Speaking to Dartsnews.com afterwards, he admitted he was “wary” of a post-upset hangover after beating world number one Luke Humphries – and drew on darting history as motivation before producing another big-stage victory at the Winter Gardens.

“Back in the day, even players who beat Phil Taylor – 99% of them lost the next game,” Van Veen said in his post-match press conference. “So I was trying to prove that wrong and continue in this tournament.”

The rising Dutch star did just that, overcoming his World Cup partner and close friend Danny Noppert 11-5 in the second round of the World Matchplay to reach his fourth televised ranking quarter-final. Van Veen landed three ton-plus checkouts – including finishes of 150 and 120 – during a clinical display that saw him win seven of the last eight legs, backing up the biggest win of his career with a steely and composed follow-up.

“Today was a very different, strange game for myself,” he said. “I didn’t feel like I played anywhere near as well as I did on Saturday. I struggled really badly with scoring, but some good finishes got me into the game – that’s what took me over the line.”

“Even I thought to myself it was a bad game – but averaging 94 or 95 is obviously not a bad game. To win these kinds of games is a massive confidence boost going into the rest of the tournament – even when you’re not playing at your best.”

While others may have folded after a career-high scalp, Van Veen was determined to prove he belonged in the latter stages of a major. His emotional high from beating Humphries was followed by media attention and fan buzz – and then a meeting with a player he calls one of his best mates.

“There was some extra pressure after beating Luke,” he admitted. “I think I handled it really well today – especially finishing-wise. I took my chances when Danny didn’t, and that’s what got me the win.”

Van Veen’s rise has been rapid. Still only 23, he played his first Matchplay game just last year – and now finds himself two wins from a place in the final. “I think if you’d have said that to me before the tournament, I’d have shaken your hand straight away,” he said. “Especially with the draw I had – playing Luke in the first game.”

Van Veen said he felt “at home on the stage” in Blackpool and welcomed the return to a long-format match in the quarter-finals, having previously gone toe-to-toe with Gary Anderson in a best-of-31 Grand Slam epic. “I’ve only played one game in that format before – but I think it really suits my game. Even today, I didn’t start off well, but I had a couple of legs to settle into it. Some good finishing really helped me. I can’t wait to play that format again.”

Off the board, the Dutchman is adjusting to life as a full-time professional – having recently left work and completed his studies. “When I got my Tour Card, I was still in education,” he said. “I finished it, got my degree, and started working 24 hours a week. But I quit after six months – it got too busy with all the tournaments. It’s been really hectic, but life’s good. I recently bought a house with my girlfriend, so I can’t complain.”

This week in Blackpool has brought more than just success – it’s also brought exposure. Van Veen was part of the PDC’s Bullseye Maths initiative and spent time playing with local schoolchildren. “I really enjoyed a couple of hours with the kids,” he said. “The sport here in the UK is in really good hands. Hopefully me – and the other PDC players involved – can inspire them and show them how fun darts is. It helps with maths, too – it did for me!”

As for what lies ahead, Van Veen is refusing to get carried away, even as he allows himself to dream. “I think I was close to something special today – missed the nine-darter on the eighth dart – but I’m taking it game by game,” he said. “That’s what I told myself from the start. Hopefully we can win three more – but so far, it’s been a really successful Matchplay.”

With Wessel Nijman also flying the flag for the future of Dutch darts this week, questions about the next generation of Van Gerwen and Barneveld are already surfacing – but Van Veen is keeping perspective. “Hopefully! If I’m one of them, that’s the goal,” he said. “Darts is growing so quickly. You’ve seen players like Luke Littler, Wessel, and myself come through. In ten years’ time, there could be five Dutch players we don’t even know about yet. But for now, I’m really enjoying the ride I’m on.”