"I wanted revenge, hopefully I’ll be able to get it" - Gian van Veen looks to settle a score on Bahrain Darts Masters debut

Alongside Luke Littler, Gian van Veen is also firmly in the spotlight at the Bahrain Darts Masters 2026. The 23-year-old Dutchman heads to the Middle East as the new Dutch number one and will make his first World Series of Darts appearance outside the Netherlands in Bahrain. With that, Van Veen ticks off another milestone in a career that has accelerated at breakneck speed over the past twelve months.

The reigning European champion enjoyed an exceptional 2025, a year he capped with an impressive run to the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship final in January. That achievement not only brought him international recognition but also propelled him into the world’s top three. It definitively confirmed his status as one of the new faces of the darts scene.

In Bahrain, Van Veen opens his campaign against Man Lok Leung of Hong Kong, a player he knows all too well.

The matchup is a repeat of their meeting at the 2024 World Championship, where Van Veen suffered a painful defeat on debut at the iconic Alexandra Palace. The Dutchman led 2-0 in sets at the time but saw the match slip away.

“I wanted to play Man Lok Leung because of course everyone remembers that game at the World Championship two years ago,” Van Veen admitted in pre-tournament discussion with the PDC. “It was my first game at Alexandra Palace, so I wanted revenge, and hopefully I’ll be able to get it tomorrow."

There is no doubt Van Veen has made huge strides in a short time. His consistent performances in 2025, combined with his European title and Worlds final, have given his confidence a major boost. Even so, he remains realistic about expectations for the new year.

“2025 was an amazing year for me," he reflects proudly. "Of course it’s going to be difficult to get to the same level in 2026, but hopefully it’s going to be another great one.

Beyond the sporting aspect, Van Veen is clearly enjoying his new status within the darts world. His presence in Bahrain feels like confirmation that he truly belongs among the elite. “It’s fantastic to be here in Bahrain for the first time. It’s an honour."

The winner of the clash between Van Veen and Leung will face the winner of the match between Danny Noppert and Basem Mahmood in the quarterfinals.