"Looking back at this debut Premier League season, there is a lot to be proud of" - Gian van Veen seeks positives after Premier League play-off hopes dashed

It is the end of the road for this year's Premier League Darts for Gian van Veen. The PDC World Darts Championship runner-up gave a valiant effort in his debut year but falls short of qualifying for the play-offs after last night's action in Birmingham.

While it did not end in the fashion he would have wanted, it did start on the front foot. He was a firm contender from the off to get to the showpiece event at the O2, reaching the final on a number of occasions. However, that elusive nightly win joint with a bout of kidney stones sent his debut campaign spiralling out of control. He regained conscious late on as he attempted to fight his way back into it, but late flurries from others around him curtailed his efforts.

His fate was sealed last night when Gerwyn Price defeated him in the semi-final stage of Night 15. After defeating fellow debutant Josh Rock 6-3, he was unable to get a positive result against the Welshman who took him down. In doing so, he confirmed his spot in finals night with world number two Luke Humphries also doing that with a long-awaited first nightly win in 2026.

Van Veen took to Instagram to share his thoughts on a memorable Premier League campaign, possibly the first of many for the world number three.

A Premier League season to remember," he wrote the next day. "Four finals and a lot of incredible nights so far, but also setbacks and physical struggles which tested me in more ways than one. Big congrats to the players who earned their spot at the O2. You all fully deserved it."

Despite battling through health problems, he was not able to get over the line. The future is still bright for the Dutchman who has not been able to find his best form not just in the Premier League, but on the ProTour circuit as he looked to adapt to playing Thursday nights.

"The Play-Offs are out of reach for me unfortunately," he continued. "That hurts obviously, but looking back at this debut Premier League season, there is a lot to be proud of. Experience gained, lessons learned and moments that will stick with me for a long time. I will make sure that it will not be my last Premier League."

However, his Premier League is not over yet. He will look to end with a bang, and possibly a maiden nightly win in Sheffield. In terms of the table, he is currently sitting in sixth behind fellow countryman Michael van Gerwen. He can confirm fifth if he betters the seven-time champion's result. Just a single win would seal him a top six finish, with Stephen Bunting five points behind in seventh.

Full focus was on next week. "However, it ain’t over yet. One night left in Sheffield. Time to go out with a bang. See you next week."

While he has just a single week's worth of action left, the same cannot be said for the top four. On May 28, Humphries and Price will be joined by the standout performers Luke Littler and Jonny Clayton with a huge title on the line.