Glorious Gian van Veen puts in performance of a lifetime to romp into Grand Slam of Darts quarterfinals

Gian van Veen has very convincingly qualified for the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts. The 22-year-old Dutchman, who had already impressed in the group stage, was a 10-2 winner Ryan Joyce in the second round, averaging over 106 in the process.

Van Veen managed to impress the most in the group stage out of all the participants at the Grand Slam of Darts. 'GVV The Giant' was prior to the event perhaps thought to have the least chance of making it to the knockout stage, but emerged victorious in the pool after victories over Josh Rock (5-2), Stephen Bunting (5-1) and Wessel Nijman (5-4).Joyce was responsible for Michael van Gerwen's exit in the group stage. In a straight fight for a spot in the knockout phase, 'Relentless' won 5-4. It is only the first time Van Veen and Joyce have faced each other in an official match.

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Van Veen started this match with a good feeling after he had all won his three matches in the group stage. With a 48-finish, he immediately broke through Joyce's leg and on his own leg, Van Veen made it 2-0 according to him. Joyce then put himself on the scoreboard with a 95 finish, but Van Veen made it 3-1 via double 4. Joyce then retained his own leg and both men went into the first break at 3-2. After the break, it was Van Veen who got off to the best start and made it 4-2 with a great 102 finish. Joyce then added another break to take a 5-2 lead.

Three more legs in a row gave him an 8-2 lead. Joyce was unable to make any more darts and then had to surrender his own leg again, so at 9-2 Van Veen needed just one more leg for the win.

Van Veen then settled the score in his favour with a 28-finish. The Dutchman clocked up an average of 106.45 and a doubles percentage of 58.82%. One thing is certain, a Van Veen in this form will be hard to stop in the remainder of this tournament. In the quarter-finals, he will take on the winner of the duel between Gary Anderson and Stephen Bunting, which will be played later tonight.

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