"I want to show everyone what I can do" - Gian Van Veen impresses in European Championship debut with 107 average

Gian van Veen has celebrated his debut at the European Championship in style. The 21-year-old Dutchman floored Damon Heta 6-1 in the opening round.

Van Veen was very impressive, averaging over 107. "I waited for a long time for this," Van Veen opened post-match to Online Darts. "When I got to the two quarter-finals on the European Tour I knew I was almost safe for the European Championship and I was looking forward to Dortmund. I was looking at the draw and when I saw Damon I was like 'oh it's going to be a tough draw', but to beat him 6-1 in that game it was phenomenal."

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"Time will tell but I think I'm playing well this year," he continues. "My averages say that, maybe not all of the results say that but my averages are like right up there with the top guys."

Van Veen will also enter the final of the PDC World Youth Championship next month, where he will face Luke Littler. "Of course I've got one eye on that tournament," he explains. "Luke is a phenomenal player but yeah, of course I'm looking forward to that. It's going to be a great game hopefully."

Being the hottest prospect in darts can add extra pressure however. "I want to show everyone what I can do," says Van Veen. "I think it doesn't give me too much pressure. You know it's my first year on tour, I'm just glad I make all these tournaments. I'm glad to be here and proud to be here and in Minehead and the Grand Slam etc."

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