Gian van Veen made a bold equipment change on Night 12 of the Premier League Darts in Liverpool, switching to a new set of darts just before his quarterfinal against Gerwyn Price. The Dutch star, who has struggled for form after a kidney stone operation, admitted he had grown frustrated with his old setup. “I wasn’t enjoying that old set much anymore,” he told Viaplay. “Just to try something different. It felt good straight away.”
The change paid immediate dividends as Van Veen beat Price 6-4, posting an early average around 100. “Winning a Premier League Darts match straight away with these darts does give confidence,” he said. “Despite the average, it’s a good start.” The switch was not impulsive; Van Veen had tested the new darts extensively in practice and exhibition nights. “The grip is just a bit different,” he explained. “Last year I was messing around with my grip. During the Worlds and the Euros my thumb was even split open. That had to change.”
Van Veen’s form had dipped after a stellar 2025, when he won the European Championship and reached the World Championship final. He also started the Premier League with four straight final appearances. But an operation for kidney stones contributed to a slump. “I do have a reason why it dipped, and I understand it,” he said. “But I was a bit done with it myself.”
In the semifinal against Jonny Clayton, Van Veen could not sustain his momentum. He moved in front but missed a match dart in the deciding 11th leg, allowing Clayton to edge the win. “That’s the phase I’m in,” Van Veen admitted. “I’m still searching, but this definitely feels like a step in the right direction.” Despite the semifinal loss, he remains fifth in the Premier League table and is optimistic about the change. “I also just enjoy throwing with these darts,” he said with a smile. “It’s something different. That helps.”
