Van Veen experiences dream debut on Pro Tour: "Notice myself performing above expectations"

Gian van Veen captured his PDC Tour Card early this year. Meanwhile, the 21-year-old Dutchman has already climbed to 96th place in the world rankings.

Van Veen is also currently second on the Development Tour (for players under 23). "I can indeed not complain about how it has all turned out so far," Van Veen told AD.nl.

He is already being predicted a big future in England. "I have also seen that pass by several times, yes. I also notice myself that I am performing above expectations. Am even in the top 10 this calendar year in terms of highest average and most 180s. You don't expect something like that in your first year."

Van Veen already beat several top players this year. "Jonny Clayton (number 7 in the world) said the other day that I should keep going like this. Then I would soon meet him at a major television tournament. He even said that several top players are already taking me into account, that they see what I am doing so far this season. They don't underestimate me. That's a big compliment of course."

Nine-dart finish

The dart player from Poederoijen recently hit a nine darter himself during a Players Championship tournament. "I always thought I would then cheer very exuberantly, but I didn't make a sound. I don't know why, maybe to keep my focus. I was up against compatriot Jermaine Wattimena, and he also said afterwards: 'You throw a nine darter, why don't you cheer?", we had a laugh about that. I'm a bit sad now, it was a very boring reaction haha."

"The big goal remains the World Championship and I'm already well on my way to that," Van Veen continued. "First of all, the goal is to be in the top 64 in the world after two years, because then I will keep my tour card. After that, we'll look further." With World Championship qualification and the prize money that goes with it, Van Veen can already take a very big step at the end of this year. "Making the top-16 in the world in time, that would be really great."