Defending champion Luke Humphries dumped out by Gian van Veen as Gerwyn Price and Luke Littler through with ease at Players Championship Finals

Gian van Veen made a significant statement on Friday evening as the Players Championship Finals got underway in Minehead. The 23-year-old Dutchman edged past Luke Humphries 6–5 in a thrilling first-round encounter, marking his fourth consecutive victory over the Englishman.

Humphries, no longer world number one as of this weekend, started the match at Minehead strongly. A stunning 145 checkout in the opening leg immediately put pressure on Van Veen, and Humphries followed up by claiming the second and third legs. It seemed the tone was set: a determined Humphries was clearly seeking revenge after his recent losses to the Dutchman.

However, Van Veen remained unshaken. In the fourth leg, he produced a spectacular 161 finish via the bullseye to get back into the match. He followed this with another bullseye finish in the next leg, narrowing the gap to 3–2. Humphries responded to extend his lead to 4–2, but Van Veen stayed composed, closing it again to 4–3.

The eighth leg saw Van Veen miss several chances to level the match immediately. Humphries then missed his opportunity, allowing Van Veen to draw level at 4–4. In leg nine, Van Veen struck double 16 to take the lead for the first time at 5–4. The momentum seemed to be shifting, but a missed chance on the tops kept Humphries in contention, bringing the score to 5–5.

The decisive eleventh leg was a test of nerves. Van Veen had three darts at double 12 but missed them all, only to see Humphries fail in response. On his fourth attempt at the same double, Van Veen finally sealed the victory 6–5.

This win extends Van Veen’s unbeaten run against Humphries to four out of eight official meetings, including last month’s European Championship final, which ended the same way.

Also tonight Martin Schindler opened proceedings against Michael Smith on the main stage and it was 'The Wall' who prevailed on a mixed night for German fortunes. He hit five 180's en route to a 6-3 win. But it was otherwise dismal as Gabriel Clemens averaged just 78 in heading out using the famous Star Wars Target darts but while they have a whopping price tag, it didn't exactly help him.

He missed 14 darts at doubles and he averaged only 79 as he was well beaten 6-3. While Gerwyn Price who is top seed this weekend saw off Max Hopp and defied 14 missed darts at doubles and averaging only 90 as he won through 6-2 with a high checkout of 154.

Stephen Bunting also surged through alongside Price, he has also been a shining light of the ProTour as he defeated Ritchie Edhouse 6-2 with four 180's along the way. But it was mixed fortunes for others as Wessel Nijman made it 10/14 first round exits in a row in majors as his struggles in big tournaments continue. 'Flyers' Richard Veenstra weathered the Double Dutch battle 6-5.

While Ryan Searle who hails from nearby, is a former finalist and is one of the best on the ProTour year on year battered 'Ice Cold' Darren Beveridge 6-1 with a 98.6 average and 60% on the doubles.

Raymond van Barneveld might be considering his darting future more after averaging just 76 as Krzysztof Ratajski had to do little to win 6-3 in the end. While another Dutchman fell as Dirk van Duijvenbode despite his excellent form this year was left frustrated in a dismal display losing 6-3 to Madars Razma and remonstrated with the referee Charlie Corstorphine afterwards amid him throwing an illegal dart. Sums up his night.

Same can be said for a Dutch born talent in Jeffrey de Graaf who was battered by the new World No.1, Luke Littler who won 6-1 with a 104.4 average, four 180's and 75% on the doubles. Gary Anderson made sure it wasn't just Dutch players getting beat as he saw off Mario Vandenbogaerde away from the bright lights 6-2 with a 97 average and four 180's. A home tournament for Anderson being from Burnham on Sea, he is also one of the best on the ProTour so will hope that comes through.

There was also welcome relief for Peter Wright as he downed Joe Cullen 6-3 to end his major drought with 6/8 on the doubles with a high checkout of 140. Both are going through a miserable time and for The Rockstar, it's not a quick fix. Same can be said for Damon Heta who has now gone out five tournaments in a row in the first round. He lost to 'Happy Feet' Justin Hood 6-4 while finally Nathan Aspinall and Chris Dobey are through. The former seeing off Karel Sedlacek 6-3 with four 180's and a 170 checkout. While Dobey defeated Keane Barry 6-1.