Gian van Veen Forced to Withdraw from Premier League Darts in Dublin Due to Kidney Stones
Dublin, Ireland – A significant shakeup has hit the BetMGM Premier League Darts ahead of Thursday night’s event in Dublin, as Dutch star Gian van Veen has been diagnosed with kidney stones and is unable to compete. The 23-year-old’s withdrawal throws the standings into flux and creates an unexpected opportunity for his compatriot, Michael van Gerwen.
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) confirmed van Veen’s absence earlier today, stating that the rising star is currently hospitalized. Van Veen, who has quickly become a fan favorite in his debut Premier League season, shared his disappointment on social media, explaining that the pain began over the weekend and intensified after a European Tour event in Göttingen, Germany. “The pain started on Sunday morning, but got much stronger when I came home after the tournament in Göttingen,” he wrote. He expressed his regret at missing the Dublin event, noting the enthusiastic support of the Irish fans.
Impact on the Premier League Standings
Van Veen’s withdrawal has immediate implications for the tournament structure and the standings. Currently sitting in fourth place after six nights of competition, his absence hands a significant advantage to Michael van Gerwen. According to tournament rules, van Gerwen receives a bye directly to the semi-finals, avoiding the quarter-final round altogether.
Beyond the immediate advancement, van Gerwen also benefits from two league points and a +1 leg difference. Conversely, van Veen receives no league points and a -6 leg difference. This shift in points underscores the competitive nature of the Premier League, where even unforeseen circumstances can dramatically alter a player’s trajectory.
What are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause intense pain as they move through the urinary tract. Symptoms often include severe pain in the side and back, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine. Treatment varies depending on the size and type of stone, ranging from medication to help pass smaller stones to surgical intervention for larger ones. The specifics of van Veen’s treatment plan have not been disclosed.
A Second Withdrawal in the 2026 Premier League Season
This marks the second time this season that a player has been forced to withdraw from a Premier League event. Earlier in the season, Michael van Gerwen himself missed a night of competition in Glasgow due to illness. The Premier League Darts has seen its share of challenges this season, highlighting the physical and mental demands placed on these elite athletes.
Currently, Welshman Jonny Clayton leads the Premier League standings. Van Veen’s withdrawal leaves him in fourth position with nine points, while van Gerwen moves to sixth with eight points. The competition remains fierce as players vie for a spot in the final four, which will take place in London on May 28th.
Van Gerwen Capitalizes on Opportunity
Michael van Gerwen, a three-time world champion, was originally scheduled to face van Veen in the quarter-final. The bye directly to the semi-finals provides a significant boost to his chances of progressing further in the tournament. Van Gerwen will be looking to capitalize on this unexpected advantage as he aims to secure a place in the playoffs.
The Premier League Darts continues to deliver drama and excitement, and this latest development adds another layer of intrigue to the competition. Fans in Dublin will be disappointed to miss van Veen’s participation, but the present will go on with a reshuffled lineup and a renewed focus on the remaining contenders.
The next event in the Premier League Darts schedule will take place on [Date of next event – not provided in sources, omitting]. Fans can stay updated on the latest news and results on the official PDC website: https://www.pdc.tv/.
We wish Gian van Veen a speedy recovery and look forward to his return to the Premier League stage.
