The dream of a first European Tour title evaporated, yet the weekend in Poland will long remain etched in Gian van Veen’s memory. The young Dutchman threw a phenomenal nine-darter in the final of a PDC European Tour event against Luke Littler, but ultimately had to settle for second place. Afterwards, Van Veen was candid about a moment that proved both magical and costly.
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Van Veen started the title decider at the Poland Darts Open strongly and immediately made history by producing his first ever nine-darter on a TV stage. With two perfect 180s and a 141 checkout via treble 20, treble 19, and double 12, he sent the Polish crowd into raptures. Even so, he looked back on that absolute high point with mixed emotions.
“I wish I missed that double 12!” he joked. “Of course I’m very happy to hit the nine-darter, but I think everyone noticed in the next two or three legs, I wasn’t good."
The Dutchman admitted the release after his perfect leg was bigger than he had expected. “I was so excited about the nine-darter - my first one on the stage, and that probably cost me the final today," he analysed frankly.
His opponent Littler, the current world number one, wasn’t rattled by Van Veen’s perfection. On the contrary, the Englishman actually found another gear. Van Veen had nothing but respect for that afterwards.
“Fair play to Luke. As he said, that spurred him on. That’s how he reads the game, and that’s why he is world number one."
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Gian van Veen alongside Luke Littler on the Poland Darts Open stage
Frustration over another final defeat
For Van Veen it was another lost final, something that visibly frustrates him. The talented thrower has reached several title deciders recently without making the winning step. “Obviously I’m gutted with the result. I’m getting a bit tired of losing finals now, but it’s part of the game and I’m happy to make another final. It’s been a great weekend.”
Despite the disappointment, pride also prevailed. Van Veen played a superb tournament, beat multiple top names, and showed he belongs at the highest level. The European Tour 2026 continues on the weekend of 13/3/2026, 14/3/2026, and 15/03/2026, when the European Darts Trophy takes place in Göttingen.
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
LITTLER WINS THE POLAND DARTS OPEN 🏆
Simply ridiculous from the world number one 🔥
Luke Littler averages over 108 and defies a nine-darter from Gian van Veen to slay the Dutchman 8-4 and win the inaugural SUPERBET Poland Darts Open ☢️
#ET1