GIAN VAN VEEN has sensationally claimed that he missed out on Poland Darts Open glory because of hitting a memorable nine-darter in the final.
The Dutchman, 23, suffered an 8-4 defeat to world No1 Luke Littler in Krakow on Sunday.
It was the second time in as many months that Van Veen lost a final to the teen sensation – having also missed out on the £1million jackpot at the World Championship.
But it came after he made a promising start and sent the Polish crowd wild with his first ever nine-darter on a TV stage.
Van Veen is adamant that his personal milestone ended up costing him in the race for silverware – and he was frustrated after falling at the final hurdle again.
He said: “I wish I missed that double 12. Of course I’m very happy to hit the nine-darter, but I think everyone noticed in the next two or three legs, I wasn’t good.
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“I was so excited about the nine-darter – my first one on the stage, and that probably cost me the final.
“Fair play to Luke. As he said, that spurred him on. That’s how he reads the game, and that’s why he is world No1.
“Obviously I’m gutted with the result. I’m getting a bit tired of losing finals now.
“But it’s part of the game and I’m happy to make another final. It’s been a great weekend.”
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Littler, 19, admitted that he spotted an opportunity to pounce straight after seeing Van Veen notch a nine-darter.
The Warrington thrower, who banked £35,000 thanks to the European Tour victory, said: “His nine-darter definitely spurred me on.
“All weekend I’ve gone off 180 and wanted to go back-to-back to have a shot at it myself.
“When Gian hit it, in my head, I was like, ‘let’s get him now, I think he’s a bit tired’. Maybe a bit overreacted as he should, he’s hit a nine-darter.
“It’s just experience. In the past people have hit nine-darters against me. It’s a big achievement. It’s not easy to do.
“I was like, ‘get him while he’s still a bit overwhelmed’.”
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