“I wish I missed that double 12” – Gian van Veen hits nine-dart finish but at what cost as he loses Poland Darts Open Final

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.

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."

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.