“Even though I lost the match, I played well. It felt good” – Van Veen seeks positives after disappointing end to a strong night in the Premier League

Gian van Veen left the stage after Night 12 of the Premier League Darts in Liverpool with mixed feelings. The Dutchman narrowly lost 6-5 to Jonny Clayton in the semi-final, but at the same time saw enough positives to build on for the coming weeks.

“Yes, definitely a shame,” Van Veen acknowledged immediately afterwards in conversation with Viaplay. “I missed a few chances to go 4–2 up. Then you let him back into the match, and he pulls away well.” He was referring to a crucial spell in which he failed to put daylight between himself and Clayton.

The young Dutchman later had one gilt-edged chance to win it with a 167 checkout. “I still got one chance at 167. You don’t expect to take that out—it’s always difficult—but you do get a chance, and you hope it goes in,” said Van Veen, who unfortunately for him failed to hit the bullseye.

Still, throughout the match he felt there was more in it. “One hundred percent, yes. Of course. I believed it from the start—I came here to win. But like I said, I missed a few darts at double 6 for 4–2. Then he went 5–3 up, and I thought, now it’s going to be very tough.”

Van Veen also saw in that phase exactly why Clayton sits so high in the table. “I also realised that this is what he has been doing all Premier League—he plays well, not amazing, but he takes all his chances. He did that against me too. That’s why he’s top of the rankings.”

Clayton produced multiple big checkouts at the key moment, which decisively swung the match. Van Veen had to chase and came close, but could not turn the tide.

Despite the defeat, Van Veen’s overriding feeling was positive, especially given the period he has just come through. After physical issues caused by kidney stones, he had to search for form and rhythm.

That recovery came with ups and downs. And when asked whether this night felt like a step forward, the Dutchman answered decisively: “Definitely. Yes, of course.” he said. “Even though I lost the match, I played well. It felt good. I enjoyed being on stage again, and it’s been a few weeks since that.”

That renewed energy and enjoyment of the game give him confidence. “The first match maybe wasn’t great, and maybe the second wasn’t either, but it felt good for me. Even though I didn’t reach the final, I can take a lot of confidence from this. I enjoyed myself again on stage, and that’s the most important thing.”

The focus has already fully shifted to what’s next. Van Veen confirmed he will stick with his current darts for now. “That’s the plan, yes. I’ll keep using them over the next few days. I’ve got an exhibition tomorrow, then the Player Championships next week, which I’ll be playing in. I’ll use these darts there as well, so I hope they’re here to stay.”

There’s no room for an extensive birthday celebration in the busy schedule. “No, no time for that. Tomorrow morning I’m on a plane at 9am,” he said matter-of-factly. “It’s been a nice birthday—I’d hoped it would be even better—but it’s just another day, so we move on.”