"The best female player there’s ever been" - Gian Van Veen full of respect for Beau Greaves ahead of World Youth Championship showdown

For the third year running, Gian van Veen has booked his place in the final of the PDC World Youth Championship. It’s a remarkable achievement, though the talented Dutchman admits this year feels a little different. Not because the tournament has been any easier – far from it – but because of his unexpected opponent in the final: English star Beau Greaves.

“The final was the goal from the start, and I’m happy to have reached it again,” Van Veen told AD.nl in typically calm fashion. “You don’t just win matches at this tournament. Every round is tough.”

That was certainly true, but the big story came from the other semi-final. There, Beau Greaves stunned the field by defeating none other than world champion Luke Littler – the overwhelming favourite for the title. Van Veen witnessed it unfold in real time.

“When I started my semi-final, they were playing just a few metres away,” he explained. “During my match I suddenly heard shocked reactions from the crowd. I looked over and saw Beau pulling her darts out of the board and shaking Luke’s hand. I knew then what had happened.”

It means that on 23 November, Van Veen will face a female opponent in the final – still a rarity in darts, especially at this level. But the Dutchman has nothing but admiration for her.“Beau is the best female player there’s ever been. I’m confident saying that already. Fallon Sherrock has won matches on big stages before, but Beau is on another level.”

Earlier this year, Greaves secured her PDC Tour Card, giving her the chance to compete full-time among the sport’s elite over the next two years. Van Veen is all for it. “Whether you’re a man or a woman, if you’re good enough, you belong here. I honestly don’t care who I play against.”

Still, he admits that Littler’s exit has boosted his chances. “Let’s be honest, facing Luke would have been tougher. I expect to have a better chance now. But it won’t be easy. Beau’s playing brilliantly, and the crowd will probably be on her side.”

Away from the youth championship, Van Veen has been enjoying an impressive run of form. The 23-year-old has climbed to a career-high world ranking of No.15 – something he’s proud of, even if there’s little time to celebrate. “It’s a nice milestone,” he said. “But our schedule’s so packed there’s no time to stop and enjoy it. The tournaments just keep coming.”

Even so, he feels real progress. “I’m reaching quarter-finals more often and beating the bigger names. That was very different last year. Of course, rankings can change quickly, but I’m still moving in the right direction – and that’s what matters.”

The big final awaits on 23 November, staged just before the Players Championship Finals. It’s a stage made for big performances – and if Gian van Veen has his way, he’ll deliver one.