"I was always watching Gary, he is my hero": Gian van Veen aims to continue Grand Slam brilliance against idol Anderson

Gian van Veen will take on his darts idol Gary Anderson in Wolverhampton on Saturday for a place in the semifinals of the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton.

Of all the participants at the Grand Slam of Darts, Van Veen managed to impress the most in the group stage. GVV The Giant' was perhaps given the least chance of reaching the knockout stage prior to the event, but became group stage winner after victories over Josh Rock (5-2), Stephen Bunting (5-1) and Wessel Nijman (5-4).

In doing so, the 22-year-old recorded averages of 110.39, 114.71 and 103.99 respectively. Combined, his average ended up at 108.89. This meant a considerable improvement on the group stage record of Phil Taylor (107.12). Van Veen continued his top form in the second round with a resounding victory over Ryan Joyce. 'GVV The Giant' triumphed 10-2 thanks to an average of 106.45.

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“After finishing top of Group H in the way that I did, there was always going to be pressure on myself to continue that form going into the knockout stages,” conceded Van Veen to the PDC.

“I knew I probably wasn’t going to sustain the 109 or 110 average, but I was really happy with that performance against Ryan.”

So now, in the form of Anderson, he meets another opponent of stature. The two-time world champion scored a 10-6 victory over Stephen Bunting in the second round. Van Veen is looking forward to taking on a darts legend like Anderson.

“I have never beaten Gary Anderson before,” revealed the 22-year-old.

“Growing up, I was always watching Gary Anderson. He is my hero, so I’m looking forward to playing him.

“Next up it is best of 31 [legs]. I have never played that before so we will see how that goes, but if I continue playing like this, I’m definitely in with a chance this week.”