From luxury boat building to Riesa last minute: Richard Veenstra has boss to thank amid International Darts Open chance

It was the kind of phone call every reserve player dreams of — and for Richard Veenstra, that dream became reality on Thursday night. The Dutchman received the unexpected news that he would be stepping in for Michael van Gerwen at the International Darts Open in Riesa, marking his first appearance on the European Tour this season.

Van Gerwen was forced to withdraw due to a shoulder injury, the same issue that sidelined him from this week’s Premier League night in Berlin. That opened the door for Veenstra, the world number 51, who had been on standby and was swiftly called upon to replace his illustrious compatriot.

"I got a call around seven o’clock last night," Veenstra said during a quick stop at a German service station en route to the venue. "Then it’s straight into organising — booking a hotel, seeing who could come along with me."

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The 43-year-old didn’t need to think twice. "No hesitation. Luckily, I’m only scheduled to play on Saturday."

A luxury boat builder by trade, Veenstra had to take a day off work for the last-minute trip — but thanks to a supportive employer, that wasn’t a problem. "Normally, I’d be at work, but my boss is great. If I need to go somewhere for darts, I can. There are always extra hands ready to fill in."

Veenstra not only inherits Van Gerwen’s spot in the draw but also his seeded status, meaning he enters directly into the second round — with a guaranteed £1,250 prize, regardless of the result against Andrew Gilding. "They should always do it this way," he laughed.

Despite not having qualified for a Euro Tour event yet this year, Veenstra sees this opportunity as a timely boost. "I hadn’t earned a penny in prize money so far, so this is a bonus. It takes the pressure off when you're on stage. The Euro Tour is amazing — packed crowds, brilliant atmosphere."

His wife is joining him for the 650-kilometre journey to Riesa, making the spontaneous road trip a bit more enjoyable. And what about a message from Van Gerwen himself? "No, I don’t think he even knows!" Veenstra joked.

Veenstra has fond memories of Riesa. Last year, he reached the third round there on merit, claiming impressive wins over Andrew Gilding and Dave Chisnall before eventually bowing out to Martin Schindler — the eventual tournament winner. "I played well then. Beat Gilding, beat Chisnall. Lost to Schindler, but he went on to win it, so I can live with that."

Now, he’s back — unexpectedly, but ready.

Richard Veenstra plays his first Euro Tour tournament of 2025 in Riesa

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