Dec 18, 2023 at 9:30 PM Update: a day ago
Gian van Veen was surprisingly eliminated on Monday in the first round of the Darts World Cup in London. The 21-year-old top talent led 2-0, but eventually lost 2-3 to Leung Man Lok from Hong Kong.
Van Veen was heavily favored prior to the match. Although he made his debut at the World Cup just like Leung, the Dutchman – the global number 45 – is seen as a top talent in the darts world. Leung normally only operates in Asia.
There was little of that to be seen on the stage at Alexandra Palace. Leung recorded an excellent average of 96.26 per three darts and threw no fewer than eleven 180s. Van Veen compared with an average of 87.53 and only three 180s.
Van Veen still took a 2-0 lead, although this was mainly due to Leung’s mediocre finish. Van Veen faced a break deficit in both sets. In the second set, Leung even got twelve arrows to win the set, but he failed miserably.
After Leung had reduced his deficit to 1-2, Van Veen immediately started the fourth set with a break. But the Dutchman could not maintain that margin, saw Leung break back and win the set. In the decisive fifth set, Van Veen was behind the times and had to surrender.
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Talent Van Veen loses at World Cup debut
Frenchman Tricole provides a scoop
As a result, Van Veen’s first World Cup ended in a deception. The Gelderlander had his breakthrough this year by reaching the semi-finals of the European Championship, among other things. He also beat Michael van Gerwen and made a giant leap in the world rankings.
If Van Veen won, he would have played against Gabriel Clemens in the second round. The German, who surprisingly reached the semi-finals in London last year, will instead play against Leung on Thursday.
Later in the evening, Gerwyn Price had few problems with Connor Scutt. The world champion of three years ago defeated the Englishman 3-0. The fifth-placed Welshman recorded an excellent average of 98.01 per three arrows.
Thibaut Tricole achieved a first by becoming the first Frenchman to play and win a World Cup match. He defeated the Belgian Mario Vandenbogaerde 3-1. Englishman Martin Lukeman won against Haupai Puha from New Zealand: 3-1.
Live World Darts Championships | Reactions after Van Veen’s defeat in thriller against Leung
Image: PDC
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