"I wasn’t enjoying that old set much anymore" - Gian van Veen's experiment with new darts sees immediate effect in Liverpool

On Night 12 of the Premier League Darts in Liverpool, Gian van Veen not only marked his birthday but also took an important step in his search for form and confidence. The Dutch star, who has endured a difficult spell both physically and mentally in recent months, made a bold call just before his quarterfinal: he switched to a new set of darts.

The move paid off immediately too with some impressive form shown in Liverpool, though it is clear he is still in the middle of a process.

Expectations around Van Veen had been sky-high. After his breakout year in 2025, when he claimed his first major title by winning the European Championship, he carried that form into the World Championship.

At Alexandra Palace he even reached the final, firmly establishing himself among the elite. To top it off, he started the Premier League in blistering fashion with four straight final appearances.

Then the momentum stalled. Results dried up, and Van Veen struggled to maintain his level on the Pro Tour as well. An operation for kidney stones played a part, but he says it doesn’t explain everything. “I do have a reason why it dipped, and I understand it,” he admitted to Viaplay. “But I was a bit done with it myself. I wasn’t enjoying that old set much anymore.”

That frustration led to a striking yet considered decision. Before his match against Gerwyn Price, Van Veen suddenly opted for a new set of darts. “Just to try something different. It felt good straight away,” he explained. The choice didn’t come out of nowhere. In recent weeks, the Dutchman had tested the new setup extensively during practice sessions and exhibition nights.

The change was mainly about the details. “The grip is just a bit different,” said Van Veen. “Last year I was messing around with my grip. During the Worlds and the Euros my thumb was even split open. That had to change.” It’s a problem many players recognize: a small irritation can have big consequences for feel and therefore for performance.

With the new darts, that feel seemed to return immediately. Van Veen started his quarterfinal strongly and posted an early average around 100. He eventually beat Price 6-4 and banked valuable points in the race for the play-offs. “Winning a Premier League Darts match straight away with these darts does give confidence,” he said afterward. “Despite the average, it’s a good start.”

It was also clear he isn’t back to his old level yet. As the match wore on, his average dipped and his game became less consistent. Van Veen is well aware of that. “That’s the phase I’m in,” he admitted. “I’m still searching, but this definitely feels like a step in the right direction.”

In the semifinal against Jonny Clayton he couldn’t fully carry that positive momentum through. Although Van Veen was solid in patches and even moved in front, he couldn’t pull away. Against a player of Clayton’s calibre, that is punished ruthlessly. The Welshman battled back into the match and forced a deciding 11th leg.

There, Van Veen had one chance to close it out, but his match dart missed by a whisker. It proved the turning point, and Clayton edged it. It typifies the phase Van Veen is in: the game is there, the chances come, but the absolute sharpness is still missing.

Even so, there is cautious optimism. The equipment switch seems to give him a boost not only technically but especially mentally. “I also just enjoy throwing with these darts,” he said with a smile. “It’s something different. That helps.”

For a player at the highest level, that enjoyment isn’t a luxury but an essential ingredient of success. Without confidence and relaxation, it is almost impossible to deliver top performances consistently. Choosing new darts can act as a fresh start, a way to break a negative cycle.

Whether this change is enough to get Van Veen consistently back to his peak will become clear in the coming weeks. But one thing is certain: with this step he has at least given himself a new chance. And perhaps more importantly, he seems to have rediscovered the joy in the game.