{"id":40079,"date":"2026-01-02T23:30:54","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T23:30:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/?p=40079"},"modified":"2026-01-02T23:30:54","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T23:30:54","slug":"pdc-world-darts-semi-finals-van-veen-edges-anderson-in-classic-to-set-up-final-with-littler-pdc-world-championship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/?p=40079","title":{"rendered":"PDC world darts semi-finals: Van Veen edges Anderson in classic to set up final with Littler | PDC World Championship"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Littler and Van Veen set up final showdown<\/h2>\n

Luke Littler will face Gian van Veen in Saturday\u2019s world championship final after two contrasting semi-final wins on Friday.<\/p>\n

After losing the first set, Littler won six in a row to see off Ryan Searle 6-1, reaching his third final in three appearances. The world No 1\u2019s focus remains on becoming a back-to-back champion, and not the record \u00a31m prize.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a massive prize, but it\u2019s the trophy on the stage, it\u2019s not the money,\u201d Littler said. \u201cEver since the Grand Slam I have just said I want to go back-to-back. So hopefully I can lift the trophy again and think about the money after.\u201d<\/p>\n

Van Veen won an instant classic against Anderson in a see-saw match that finished just before 11pm. The Dutchman led 4-1 before two-time champion Anderson fought back, with Van Veen eventually prevailing 6-3 in a thrilling tussle.<\/p>\n

Both men averaged over 102, they both took out a 170 finish and Anderson hit more 180s, but it was Van Veen\u2019s finishing which got the job done as he booked his first appearance in the final, having lost his opening match on two previous visits to Alexandra Palace.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am so happy,\u201d he said on stage. \u201cWinning this game … 10 years ago or five years ago, I was struggling playing darts. I was crying at the table and look at me four years later. It\u2019s all been worth it.\u201d PA Media<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Well, that was decent, wasn\u2019t it? Be sure to join the doyen of darts, Rob Smyth, tomorrow night for the final \u2013 Luke Littler v Gian van Veen<\/strong>. It could be an all-timer. Thanks for joining me tonight.<\/p>\n

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Some key stats from that instant classic \u2026<\/p>\n

Averages: <\/strong>Van Veen 102.99, Anderson 102.91
Checkouts: <\/strong>Van Veen 55%, Anderson 45.5%
Highest checkout: <\/strong>Both hit 170, in the same set
Legs won: <\/strong>Van Veen 22, Anderson 20<\/p>\n

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Gian van Veen talks to Sky:<\/strong> \u201cGary threw everything at me, his finishing was great \u2026 the crowd was a bit against me, but it\u2019s fair play because Gary is so fantastic. Three or four years ago I was struggling with dartitis, crying after games \u2013 look at me now!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy parents used to drive me all around the Netherlands to play \u2026 it\u2019s all been worth it. I never thought this would happen \u2013 it\u2019s not a dream come true, I never even dreamed about it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Next up \u2026 Luke Littler in the final. \u201cHe\u2019s playing fantastic in this tournament, but so am I. Hopefully it\u2019s going to be a great game, but I\u2019m just going to enjoy the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Gian van Veen beats Gary Anderson 6-3!<\/h2>\n

No nerves here \u2013 Van Veen delivers with his first match dart to reach his first world championship final. He\u2019s beaten his idol, who played a full part in one of the best semi-finals we\u2019ve seen on this stage.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Gian van Veen of the Netherlands celebrates victory.<\/span> Photograph: Warren Little\/Getty Images<\/span>van Veen is congratulated by Anderson.<\/span> Photograph: Warren Little\/Getty ImagesShare<\/p>\n

Updated at\u00a017.59 EST<\/p>\n

Ninth set: Van Veen (5) 2-2 (3) Anderson <\/strong>A couple of helpful treble 19s, then a 140 \u2013 his 34th of the match \u2013 leaves him on 167. Two more treble 20s, and he sets up three match darts at double 16, with Anderson miles behind \u2026<\/p>\n

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Ninth set: *Van Veen (5) 2-2 (3) Anderson <\/strong>Van Veen edges ahead but Anderson gets one set dart at bull \u2026 but this time, it\u2019s an inch to the right, and Van Veen nervelessly takes out double eight. He\u2019ll throw for a place in the final \u2026<\/p>\n

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Ninth set: Van Veen (5) 1-2 (3) Anderson* <\/strong>Neither player is doubling quite as well now \u2013 and Van Veen misses two darts at D16 to close out an 11\/12 dart leg. Anderson is on 121 \u2013 and he finishes on the bull!<\/p>\n

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Updated at\u00a017.48 EST<\/p>\n

Ninth set: *Van Veen (5) 1-1 (3) Anderson <\/strong>Sizing up the big fish, Anderson just misses the bull \u2013 but Van Veen is way back, and Anderson is able to end his rotten run on doubles, landing D4.<\/p>\n

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Ninth set: Van Veen (5) 1-0 (3) Anderson* <\/strong>Oh, Gary, Gary \u2026 Anderson misses three shots at double 16 to break, and Van Veen punishes him by checking out on D10. He\u2019s two legs away \u2026<\/p>\n

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Updated at\u00a017.45 EST<\/p>\n

The absolute nerve of Gian van Veen \u2013 blowing that chance to win the set, then coming out with five perfect darts out of six to take it back. Now, he\u2019s one set away, and will throw first. Anderson will have to get off the canvas yet again.<\/p>\n

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Van Veen wins eighth set, leads 5-3!<\/h2>\n

This is a huge test of Van Veen\u2019s mentality now \u2013 and he starts with a maximum, then follows with a 140! He\u2019s down to 98 from nine darts \u2026 and Anderson can\u2019t follow him. Van Veen finds his way back to double top \u2026 and this time, he takes it out!<\/p>\n

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Eighth set: Van Veen (4) 2-2 (3) Anderson* <\/strong>A rare iffy start from Van Veen, but he rallies with a maximum, then a ton. Anderson sets up 170, while a loose dart leaves Van Veen on 97. He can\u2019t get close, and Van Veen has one dart at tops for the set \u2026 millimetres too high. He\u2019ll get another chance \u2026 but misses three doubles in a row, and Anderson pins D18.<\/p>\n

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Eighth set: *Van Veen (4) 2-1 (3) Anderson <\/strong>As Wayne Mardle points out, this is probably the longest match Van Veen has ever played \u2013 but Anderson looks the more weary player now. Still, he lands double eight off the wire to stay in the set.<\/p>\n

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Eighth set: Van Veen (4) 2-0 (3) Anderson* <\/strong>The crowd are behind Anderson, but Van Veen has quietened them down with that break. A 140 keeps Anderson in this leg, and he\u2019s first to a dart to win it \u2013 but misses double 16, then has to watch Van Veen hit it, shrugging off a few jeers.<\/p>\n

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Eighth set: *Van Veen (4) 1-0 (3) Anderson <\/strong>It\u2019s Van Veen who starts the stronger on Anderson\u2019s throw, but can\u2019t find a treble to build on it. He has a shot at bull to break, but pulls it an inch left. Still, two darts from 25 \u2013 Nine, double eight, popped, and Van Veen breaks!<\/p>\n

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How are Van Veen\u2019s nerves now? <\/strong>He missed two darts to move 5-2 ahead, and now Anderson is fully in his mirrors. I can\u2019t spake.<\/p>\n

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Anderson wins the seventh set, trails 4-3!<\/h2>\n

Van Veen is so good at starting strongly on his own throw \u2013 a max or 140 seems inevitable. But then he coughs up 80, and Anderson follows with 56. The frustration is real. Van Veen waits on a 91 checkout, Anderson gets down to tops \u2026 will he get a shot? He will \u2026and this time, he gets it done. We\u2019re back on throw!<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/span>Anderson reacts after winning a set.<\/span> Photograph: Tom Jenkins\/The GuardianShare<\/p>\n

Updated at\u00a017.31 EST<\/p>\n

Seventh set: *Van Veen (4) 2-2 (2) Anderson <\/strong>A penny for Luke Littler\u2019s thoughts, watching this play out. Van Veen drifts behind on the Anderson throw again, leaving Anderson with three darts at that pesky double 20. But he goes inside on tops, D10 and D5! The match is in Van Veen\u2019s hands \u2026 but he can\u2019t land the double. The drama \u2013 and Anderson checks out of the mad house. Absolute scenes!<\/p>\n

<\/span>Anderson reacts after his shot.<\/span> Photograph: Adam Davy\/PAShare<\/p>\n

Updated at\u00a017.23 EST<\/p>\n

Seventh set: Van Veen (4) 2-1 (2) Anderson* <\/strong>Van Veen starts with a max, but then slips and Anderson hits back with a 180 of his own. He\u2019s down to 54, Van Veen on 130, leaving 40 \u2026 and the pressure tells, two doubles missed. Van Veen nicks the leg, and Anderson is furious with himself.<\/p>\n

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Updated at\u00a017.21 EST<\/p>\n

Seventh set: *Van Veen (4) 1-1 (2) Anderson <\/strong>The crowd are getting behind Anderson \u2013 they want to see this go the distance \u2013 and he dominates this leg on throw, clinching it on double four.<\/p>\n

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Seventh set: Van Veen (4) 1-0 (2) Anderson* <\/strong>This is a huge set now \u2013 either Anderson breaks to trail 4-3, or Van Veen moves one away from his first final. No sign of nerves from Van Veen, landing D16 to take the first leg.<\/p>\n

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Anderson wins the sixth set, trails 4-2!<\/h2>\n

A maximum-140 back-to-back from Anderson gives him the edge on Van Veen\u2019s throw. The former champion needs 81, leaves the bull \u2026 and hits it!<\/p>\n

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Sixth set: *Van Veen (4) 1-2 (1) Anderson <\/strong>Is Anderson feeling defeated? He can\u2019t have lost many sets, ever, playing that well. Under pressure on tops with Van Veen on 70, he nails it to stay ahead.<\/p>\n

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Sixth set: Van Veen (4) 1-1 (1) Anderson* <\/strong>A handy 180 from Anderson, but Van Veen replies with three treble 18s. He\u2019s first to a finish as Anderson sees a third dart rattle out, and despite missing D16, he takes out D8 with Anderson not on a finish.<\/p>\n

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Sixth set: *Van Veen (4) 0-1 (1) Anderson <\/strong>Gary Anderson starts with an 11-darter to hold throw \u2013 now can he apply some pressure?<\/p>\n

<\/span>The crowd inside Alexandra Palace.<\/span> Photograph: Adam Davy\/PAShare<\/p>\n

Updated at\u00a017.14 EST<\/p>\n

What more can Gary Anderson do?<\/strong> He\u2019s averaging 105.5 and getting a hiding. Even when he dug out a 170 checkout, Van Veen hit back with one of his own. He has to hope that somehow, the Dutchman\u2019s level drops.<\/p>\n

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This match is following the pattern of the first semi-final, with Van Veen losing the first set then roaring back. That said, it\u2019s a very different kind of contest.<\/p>\n

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Van Veen wins the fifth set, leads 4-1!<\/h2>\n

A ten-dart break, then a 170 checkout \u2026 and Anderson is about to lose the set. Or is he? Van Veen falters on double eight, but hits D4 with the last dart in hand. A huge moment \u2013 it\u2019s the rising star\u2019s match to lose now.<\/p>\n

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Fifth set: *Van Veen (3) 2-2 (1) Anderson ANOTHER BIG FISH! <\/strong>This time it\u2019s Van Veen, reeling it in ruthlessly when Anderson stutters on his set-up shot. Anderson can only offer a wry smile, but that has to hurt.<\/p>\n

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Fifth set: Van Veen (3) 1-2 (1) Anderson* <\/strong>Van Veen rattles through a hold, hitting double 18 on his 11th dart of the leg. And on we go \u2026<\/p>\n

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Fifth set: *Van Veen (3) 0-2 (1) Anderson <\/strong>Gary Anderson is producing the set of his life \u2013 a 10-darter, and now the big fish! A 170 checkout, and barely a flicker. Ridiculous.<\/p>\n

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Fifth set: Van Veen (3) 0-1 (1) Anderson* <\/strong>Van Veen throws first in this set, and has the chance to take charge \u2026 but Anderson comes out fighting, breaking in 10 darts to shift the momentum.<\/p>\n

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Van Veen has an average of 104.6<\/strong> after four sets \u2013 and a checkout percentage of 76.9%. Anderson, with figures of 102.8 and 53.3%, finds himself playing catch up. But if anyone can stop this runaway train, it\u2019s the Flying Scotsman.<\/p>\n

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Van Veen wins the fourth set, leads 3-1!<\/h2>\n

Ando opens with 96 and Van Veen responds with a max \u2013then follows with a 177, and the nine-darter is on! Ack, the first dart drops low, but he\u2019s left 47 to take a 3-1 lead \u2026 and surprise, he hits the double on his first attempt. It\u2019s bordering on disrespectful now.<\/p>\n

<\/span>van Veen in action.<\/span> Photograph: Tom Jenkins\/The GuardianShare<\/p>\n

Updated at\u00a017.01 EST<\/p>\n

Fourth set: Van Veen (2) 2-2 (1) Anderson* <\/strong>From 161, Van Veen trims effortlessly down to 32, with Anderson not on a finish. A ninth double out of 12 is converted \u2013 that\u2019s close to unplayable.<\/p>\n

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Fourth set: *Van Veen (2) 1-2 (1) Anderson <\/strong>Anderson miscounts from 87, ending up on 39. A tricky finish to manoeuvre, but he gets there in three darts.<\/p>\n

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Fourth set: Van Veen (2) 1-1 (1) Anderson* <\/strong>With Van Veen on 76, Anderson gets down to double top. Pressure on? Not really \u2013 the Dutchman hits T20, D8 in two darts.<\/p>\n

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Key events Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature Littler and Van Veen set up final showdown Luke Littler will face Gian van Veen in Saturday\u2019s world championship final after two contrasting semi-final wins on Friday. After losing the first set, Littler won six in a row to see off<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":40080,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[53],"tags":[4946,717,7238,21573,2979,82,21424,20655,11615,620,7103,21574,550],"class_list":{"0":"post-40079","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports","8":"tag-anderson","9":"tag-championship","10":"tag-classic","11":"tag-darts","12":"tag-edges","13":"tag-final","14":"tag-littler","15":"tag-pdc","16":"tag-semifinals","17":"tag-set","18":"tag-van","19":"tag-veen","20":"tag-world"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40079","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=40079"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40079\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/40080"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=40079"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=40079"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naijaglobalnews.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=40079"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}