“We know we’re capable of so much more" - Disappointment for Gian van Veen & Danny Noppert after semi-final defeat at World Cup of Darts 2025

Gian van Veen and Danny Noppert saw their World Cup of Darts dreams dashed on Sunday night as the Dutch pair were beaten by Wales in the semi-finals in Frankfurt.

Having impressed throughout the earlier rounds, the Netherlands looked well-placed for a shot at the title, but their campaign unravelled at just the wrong time. Both players were quick to hold their hands up after the match, openly admitting that they didn’t hit the heights required. “This one stings,” Van Veen told Sportnieuws.nl.

The Dutch pair had made the brighter start, capitalising on a sluggish opening from Wales to take an early lead. Yet despite that promising position, they were unable to press home their advantage.

“They weren’t playing great either,” Van Veen reflected. “We were 4-3 up, but honestly, it should’ve been 5-2 or even 6-1. That was really frustrating. Every time they gave us an opening, I just wanted to pounce — but if you start poorly yourself, it just doesn’t work.”

Noppert echoed those sentiments, admitting: “Maybe we wanted it too badly. You start putting pressure on yourself, and suddenly nothing flows. I think that’s what happened.”

‘The Freeze’ also took responsibility for some missed chances: “I felt I let myself down on the doubles — ones I usually take out without thinking. 56s, 60s… they’re normally routine, but not tonight. It’s such a waste.”

Van Veen, meanwhile, admitted his own struggles on the treble 20 proved costly: “I just couldn’t find the triple. And when I did, it was high, leaving no room to build. I was forcing it, and maybe if I hadn’t, it could’ve been worse. I did take out a decent 74 in two darts, which helps — but when you follow that with a 59 or a 58, it doesn’t get you anywhere.”

Despite reaching the semi-finals, the overriding emotion was disappointment — especially for Noppert, who narrowly misses out on a Grand Slam of Darts spot for now.

“Before the tournament, we probably would’ve taken a semi-final,” he admitted. “But right now, it just feels flat. I wasn’t thinking about Grand Slam qualification during the game — but of course, afterwards, you can’t help but dwell on it. We were so close.”

What stings most for both is the feeling of an opportunity missed. “We know we’re capable of so much more,” said Noppert. “I’m always my own biggest critic, and I’ve been that way this weekend. I’ve given Gian a lot of praise — maybe I’ve sold myself short in the process.”

Even amid the frustration, there was pride in the partnership and hope for the future. “We’ve really enjoyed the weekend,” Van Veen added. “Hopefully we’ll get the chance to team up again next year. If we can sign on to play together again, we’ll do it in a heartbeat. Let’s see what the future holds.”