Is this the best doubling display of all time? Gian van Veen and Damon Heta miss just four darts at outer ring in 23 legs at UK Open

Gian van Veen and Damon Heta served up a darting spectacle on Stage Two on Saturday evening at the UK Open. Astonishingly they missed just four darts at double from a combined 23 darts at the outer ring. One of the best doubling displays of all time.

One too that will leave Heta pretty sick to his stomach. Heta averaged 98 and hit 90% (9/10) on his doubles and hit nearly 10% more than his opponent but still lost the match. Van Veen edged it as he hit 10/13 in the end. History books will be left scrambling but it will be one of the only times if any where a player is near flawless on the doubles and still lost.

In addition, Heta hit five 180's and Van Veen nine with 19 140's from the Dutchman. This showed that it was even more of a complete game than the doubling output with both putting on a scoring show.

Read also

Tournament Centre UK Open Darts 2025: Schedule, all results, TV Guide and prize money breakdown

But it needed an emphatic 11-darter in the deciding leg to win it from Van Veen as he took down Heta and will be in the draw later on. The Dutchman has often wanted to hit the big time but he could join the elite conversation with this display.

Either way whoever lost would've been feeling sick to their stomach. Heta merely missed one dart at a double and lost while Van Veen would've felt the same having hit 10/13. There was also the huge gulf in the averages with Van Veen hitting 110 compared to 98 but it mattered not in terms of the scoreline and closeness of the match.

As ever scoring for show and doubles for dough and it is Van Veen who moves into the Quarter-Finals. Also for many it showed the clanger perhaps from the PDC to stick to their top names instead of plumping for a tie that was always going to be quality on paper.

While Luke Humphries was easing through his match, this was taking place and with the top names continuing to adorn the big stage, the age old debate of whether they should go onto Stage Two now and again continues.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Unlock your ultimate darts experience—subscribe today for exclusive access to top stories.

Subscribe