Van Veen shocks Anderson to book semi-final spot
The World Darts Championship delivered another classic as Gian van Veen produced a masterclass to defeat two-time champion Gary Anderson in a gripping semi-final. The Dutch ace battled through pressure-packed moments to deny Anderson, who has long been revered for his scoring punch and nerve under pressure. Van Veen’s consistency and late-game finishing helped him seal a place in the last two, where he now faces defending champion Luke Littler in what promises to be a blockbuster final showdown.
High stakes and high quality
From the opening legs, the match lived up to the occasion, with both players trading breaks and relentless finishing. Van Veen showed little signs of nerves against a rival who thrives on big moments, and his ability to convert crucial 180s and checkouts under pressure proved decisive. Anderson, never one to fold, pushed back at every opportunity, but van Veen’s methodical scoring and clinical doubles edged him ahead at key moments.
Littler’s near-perfect night sealed a historic showdown
Meanwhile, in the other half of the draw, Luke Littler carried the weight of expectations and delivered a performance that will be remembered by darts fans for years. The defending champion posted a stunning average of 105.35 across the match, a number that speaks to both his accuracy and intimidation factor on the oche. At one point, Littler was seven darts into a potential perfect 9-darter, a moment that had the crowd buzzing and opponents wary of an inevitable onslaught.
The crowd, the pressure, and the prize
Reflecting on the atmosphere, Littler acknowledged the split crowd—“A few boos, a few cheers but it’s been a good crowd,” he said after sealing the win. The mix of support and nerves only seemed to sharpen his focus as he pushed toward the final, keeping a steady rhythm and maintaining grip on the match’s pivotal moments. The win ensures Littler remains the man to beat, with a genuine chance to defend his title in front of a global audience.
<h2What this sets up: Littler vs. van Veen
The semi-final victory by van Veen over Anderson, followed by Littler’s record-tying display, guarantees an enthralling finale or, at the very least, a dramatic final stage. The match-up pits a veteran world-beater against a rising star who has dominated the field with audacious scoring and composure beyond his years. The clash promises high-scoring darts, strategic outshots, and a psychological battle that could define the sport for the season.
What to expect from the final stages
Expect a duel packed with big finishes, high-precision finishing, and pressure-cooker moments that tests even the most patient players. Van Veen’s tactical approach, combined with Littler’s fearless scoring and relentless pace, should produce an epic carnival of darts. Fans can anticipate a tense, edge-of-seat contest, with both players chasing their shared dream of lifting the prestigious trophy at the world stage.
As the tournament reaches its crescendo, both van Veen and Littler have demonstrated why darts fans flock to the sport: precision under pressure, big shots when it matters, and a story rich with rivalry and rising stars. Whoever emerges victorious will write another memorable chapter in the annals of the World Darts Championship.
