"I’ve just lost some strength and energy": Gian van Veen struggling with side effects of kidney stones as Rotterdam debut looms

The disappointment was written all over Gian van Veen’s face after his defeat to Michael van Gerwen in the Premier League Darts. Speaking to Viaplay, the young Dutchman admitted there was more in it, even though he also saw that his opponent kept him in the match.

“Yes, of course I’m very disappointed,” Van Veen began speaking after Premier League Darts in Brighton. “I think the scoring wasn’t great today, but it was a lot better than in recent weeks.” That suggested a slight step forward in his game, but at the decisive moments he let it slip on the doubles.

That was exactly where he felt the biggest difference lay. “On the finishing I’m just letting it go,” he acknowledged. “Look, he helps me a lot in the match. I’m well aware of that, that he misses a lot of chances, which at least allows me to hang in there. But I miss chances to get in front too. And that annoys me.”

The match was also important in the battle to stay in touch on the table with the play-offs in sight. Van Veen let that opportunity slip. “It was just an important match today. The connection is a bit gone now,” he concluded realistically.

Besides his game, his physical condition also came up. Van Veen is still dealing with the after-effects of earlier health issues, although he doesn’t want to use that as an excuse. “I feel good,” he emphasized. “But I do notice my first dart often dips a bit. I’ve just lost some strength and energy.”

He notices that difference especially on long match days. “Last Saturday at the Euro Tour I had to play the final match of the evening and my energy was completely gone,” he said. “Today it was fine, so it didn’t come down to that. But I’m definitely still recovering.”

Looking ahead, one date is circled in red in his diary: the Premier League night in Rotterdam next week. “That’s the plan, yes,” Van Veen said about his intention to be fit at the oche. “I’ve got two exhibitions this weekend, which will feel like getting some practice hours in. But rest is very important too.”

He will therefore deliberately skip the Players Championship events at the start of next week. “I saw my name on the list, but I won’t be there. I’ll stay in the Netherlands on Monday and Tuesday. I’m skipping these. I will play the next two.”

Everything is geared towards that night: playing in front of a home crowd at Ahoy. His excitement is unmistakable. “I’m really, really looking forward to it, honestly can’t wait,” Van Veen smiled. “I even had a special shirt made for Ahoy. That says it all.”

It’s a special moment for the young darter. “You don’t play in the Netherlands that often, usually only the Euro Tour. But when you play Premier League at Ahoy… that’s something you really look forward to. When I got the invite, I immediately thought: I get to play at Ahoy.”

Despite the recent defeat, optimism still prevails heading into next week. “Hopefully I’ll be a bit better than in recent weeks,” Van Veen concluded defiantly. “But we’ll see.”