Gary Anderson ends run of Gian van Veen, sets up mouthwatering semi-final with Luke Littler at Grand Slam of Darts

It is a fifth semi-final at the Grand Slam of Darts for Gary Anderson after defeating Gian van Veen 16-14. A mouth watering Luke Littler clash now awaits on Sunday afternoon. The other being Mickey Mansell v Martin Lukeman.

A tournament he calls one of his favourites albeit at the Civic over current venue Aldersley Leisure Village but one that has eluded him over the years.

Potentially though it could be his time as he dealt a blow to Gian van Veen in what was a darting game of cat and mouse. Anderson in winning 16-14 kept him at arms length on his throw and didn't give him a chance as he showed his experience and guile to defeat the rising Dutchman.

Both players failed to get out of second gear to start the clash as it seemed like they were affected perhaps by the sudden thrust onto stage after Littler's devastating display.

Va Veen though led 3-2 early on with a 13-darter with Anderson taking out 124 on the bull early. Albeit Anderson started what became a trend throughout the contest. He went two clear with Van Veen continually not able to get onto his coattails. He went 6-4 up after a great mini session.

Albeit Anderson held a three leg lead for one point as he was deadly on the doubles. He hit 85, 90 and 120 to take it up to 56% and extend his lead to 9-6. He built as he went 11-9 up with an 84 checkout for an 11-darter.

But Van Veen continued to run out of road. Anderson went 11-10 and 13-12 up. How Van Veen was still involved was a marvel in itself as Anderson made it 15-13. The Dutchman for the sixth time running went one behind but Anderson had the throw for the win.

Van Veen couldn't find a way though as Anderson produced what he did all game and that was the act of pushing away Van Veen hitting double 12 first time for the win.