"I was always watching Gary, he is my hero": Gian van Veen aims to continue Grand Slam brilliance against idol Anderson
PDCGian 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.
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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.
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“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.”
🗣️ "Growing up, I was always watching Gary Anderson. He is my hero, so I’m looking forward to playing him."
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) November 16, 2024
Gian van Veen will take on his darting idol Gary Anderson for a place in the Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts semi-finals on Saturday evening...

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- Good, absolutely no loss if we never see this dancing goof ever again......no that is not fair. He absolutely cannot and has never been remotely able to dance!richieburnettrocks10-11-2026
- Yes Phil,now the money in the game is bigger than ever,you'd play littler. Well so would I! Retire on your memory Phil,and your successful careerrick6709-11-2026
- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
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- Probably i will receive a lot of backlash and hate for this reaction, but well, so be it. I am more than sick and tired of those lies of you Barry Hearn. How dare you defend yourself over the back of Fallon’s son! He has a disability and not an illness, so let me correct that for you! I know because I have the exact same disability. I have tried to reach out to Fallon in the past, and offered her to help her and her son, because I was struggling with the same problems, and I understood the boy. I wanted him to have finally someone who understood him. However she told me that she did not want my help, and I have respected Fallon’s choice. I have never asked Fallon for money. They don’t need money in that case. I only ever wanted the best for Fallon and Rory, but I have to be honest about the situation. Fallon should tell the true story and not be forced to tell lies. I don’t hate Fallon, and I don’t begrudge or envy a single penny that she gets, but this situation/case is just not fair. I hate the lies and the dishonesty and injustice. I don’t want Fallon to be hated because there is an unfair disadvantage created. Don’t proclaim your false lies over the back of Rory! I only stand for integrity and justice. I am precisely the one who always sticks up for Fallon. And you don't, you don't give a damn about them. You were never there for them, and now you only want to save your own position! You are just trying to talk your way out of your own bad behavior at the expense of someone with a disability. And to Fallon, I don’t know if this may ever reach you, and you read it, but I want you to know I love you and I love your son Rory very much, I am sorry how things developed and went. I hope you and Harriet are still friends. I am sorry if I were too persistent to you, or you experienced it that way, but it was never my intention. Please understand I have autism as well. As Barry Hearn would say, I am only just a human being too, and I also make mistakes and misjudge things sometimes. I promise you I did everything out of the deepest love and care for you and Rory. If I were you, I should just keep all the money, only please never be dishonest or tell lies anymore for Barry Hearn, or anyone else. I hope you have the best life, and I wish nothing more than the best for you. I have always loved the two of you. Farewell.Hiddo05-11-2026
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- She's technically not a professional though as she doesn't hold a pro tour card.mr-pablo04-11-2026
- Such a shame that lakeside has been reduced to this. Fantastic venue,and previously a great tournament. Not any morerick6703-11-2026





