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Jonathan Liew’s reportShareLittler and Van Veen set up final showdown
Luke Littler will face Gian van Veen in Saturday’s 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 Ryan Searle 6-1, reaching his third final in three appearances. The world No 1’s focus remains on becoming a back-to-back champion, and not the record £1m prize.
“It’s a massive prize, but it’s the trophy on the stage, it’s not the money,” Littler said. “Ever 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.”
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.
Both men averaged over 102, they both took out a 170 finish and Anderson hit more 180s, but it was Van Veen’s 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.
“I am so happy,” he said on stage. “Winning 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’s all been worth it.” PA Media
Well, that was decent, wasn’t it? Be sure to join the doyen of darts, Rob Smyth, tomorrow night for the final – Luke Littler v Gian van Veen. It could be an all-timer. Thanks for joining me tonight.
Some key stats from that instant classic …
Averages: Van Veen 102.99, Anderson 102.91
Checkouts: Van Veen 55%, Anderson 45.5%
Highest checkout: Both hit 170, in the same set
Legs won: Van Veen 22, Anderson 20
Gian van Veen talks to Sky: “Gary threw everything at me, his finishing was great … the crowd was a bit against me, but it’s fair play because Gary is so fantastic. Three or four years ago I was struggling with dartitis, crying after games – look at me now!”
“My parents used to drive me all around the Netherlands to play … it’s all been worth it. I never thought this would happen – it’s not a dream come true, I never even dreamed about it!”
Next up … Luke Littler in the final. “He’s playing fantastic in this tournament, but so am I. Hopefully it’s going to be a great game, but I’m just going to enjoy the moment.”
ShareGian van Veen beats Gary Anderson 6-3!
No nerves here – Van Veen delivers with his first match dart to reach his first world championship final. He’s beaten his idol, who played a full part in one of the best semi-finals we’ve seen on this stage.
Gian van Veen of the Netherlands celebrates victory. Photograph: Warren Little/Getty Imagesvan Veen is congratulated by Anderson. Photograph: Warren Little/Getty ImagesShare
Updated at 17.59 EST
Ninth set: Van Veen (5) 2-2 (3) Anderson A couple of helpful treble 19s, then a 140 – his 34th of the match – leaves him on 167. Two more treble 20s, and he sets up three match darts at double 16, with Anderson miles behind …
Ninth set: *Van Veen (5) 2-2 (3) Anderson Van Veen edges ahead but Anderson gets one set dart at bull … but this time, it’s an inch to the right, and Van Veen nervelessly takes out double eight. He’ll throw for a place in the final …
Ninth set: Van Veen (5) 1-2 (3) Anderson* Neither player is doubling quite as well now – and Van Veen misses two darts at D16 to close out an 11/12 dart leg. Anderson is on 121 – and he finishes on the bull!
Updated at 17.48 EST
Ninth set: *Van Veen (5) 1-1 (3) Anderson Sizing up the big fish, Anderson just misses the bull – but Van Veen is way back, and Anderson is able to end his rotten run on doubles, landing D4.
Ninth set: Van Veen (5) 1-0 (3) Anderson* Oh, Gary, Gary … Anderson misses three shots at double 16 to break, and Van Veen punishes him by checking out on D10. He’s two legs away …
Updated at 17.45 EST
The absolute nerve of Gian van Veen – blowing that chance to win the set, then coming out with five perfect darts out of six to take it back. Now, he’s one set away, and will throw first. Anderson will have to get off the canvas yet again.
ShareVan Veen wins eighth set, leads 5-3!
This is a huge test of Van Veen’s mentality now – and he starts with a maximum, then follows with a 140! He’s down to 98 from nine darts … and Anderson can’t follow him. Van Veen finds his way back to double top … and this time, he takes it out!
Eighth set: Van Veen (4) 2-2 (3) Anderson* 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’t get close, and Van Veen has one dart at tops for the set … millimetres too high. He’ll get another chance … but misses three doubles in a row, and Anderson pins D18.
Eighth set: *Van Veen (4) 2-1 (3) Anderson As Wayne Mardle points out, this is probably the longest match Van Veen has ever played – but Anderson looks the more weary player now. Still, he lands double eight off the wire to stay in the set.
Eighth set: Van Veen (4) 2-0 (3) Anderson* The crowd are behind Anderson, but Van Veen has quietened them down with that break. A 140 keeps Anderson in this leg, and he’s first to a dart to win it – but misses double 16, then has to watch Van Veen hit it, shrugging off a few jeers.
Eighth set: *Van Veen (4) 1-0 (3) Anderson It’s Van Veen who starts the stronger on Anderson’s throw, but can’t 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 – Nine, double eight, popped, and Van Veen breaks!
How are Van Veen’s nerves now? He missed two darts to move 5-2 ahead, and now Anderson is fully in his mirrors. I can’t spake.
ShareAnderson wins the seventh set, trails 4-3!
Van Veen is so good at starting strongly on his own throw – 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 … will he get a shot? He will …and this time, he gets it done. We’re back on throw!
Anderson reacts after winning a set. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The GuardianShare
Updated at 17.31 EST
Seventh set: *Van Veen (4) 2-2 (2) Anderson A penny for Luke Littler’s 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’s hands … but he can’t land the double. The drama – and Anderson checks out of the mad house. Absolute scenes!
Anderson reacts after his shot. Photograph: Adam Davy/PAShare
Updated at 17.23 EST
Seventh set: Van Veen (4) 2-1 (2) Anderson* Van Veen starts with a max, but then slips and Anderson hits back with a 180 of his own. He’s down to 54, Van Veen on 130, leaving 40 … and the pressure tells, two doubles missed. Van Veen nicks the leg, and Anderson is furious with himself.
Updated at 17.21 EST
Seventh set: *Van Veen (4) 1-1 (2) Anderson The crowd are getting behind Anderson – they want to see this go the distance – and he dominates this leg on throw, clinching it on double four.
Seventh set: Van Veen (4) 1-0 (2) Anderson* This is a huge set now – 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.
ShareAnderson wins the sixth set, trails 4-2!
A maximum-140 back-to-back from Anderson gives him the edge on Van Veen’s throw. The former champion needs 81, leaves the bull … and hits it!
Sixth set: *Van Veen (4) 1-2 (1) Anderson Is Anderson feeling defeated? He can’t have lost many sets, ever, playing that well. Under pressure on tops with Van Veen on 70, he nails it to stay ahead.
Sixth set: Van Veen (4) 1-1 (1) Anderson* A handy 180 from Anderson, but Van Veen replies with three treble 18s. He’s 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.
Sixth set: *Van Veen (4) 0-1 (1) Anderson Gary Anderson starts with an 11-darter to hold throw – now can he apply some pressure?
The crowd inside Alexandra Palace. Photograph: Adam Davy/PAShare
Updated at 17.14 EST
What more can Gary Anderson do? He’s 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’s level drops.
This match is following the pattern of the first semi-final, with Van Veen losing the first set then roaring back. That said, it’s a very different kind of contest.
ShareVan Veen wins the fifth set, leads 4-1!
A ten-dart break, then a 170 checkout … 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 – it’s the rising star’s match to lose now.
Fifth set: *Van Veen (3) 2-2 (1) Anderson ANOTHER BIG FISH! This time it’s 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.
Fifth set: Van Veen (3) 1-2 (1) Anderson* Van Veen rattles through a hold, hitting double 18 on his 11th dart of the leg. And on we go …
Fifth set: *Van Veen (3) 0-2 (1) Anderson Gary Anderson is producing the set of his life – a 10-darter, and now the big fish! A 170 checkout, and barely a flicker. Ridiculous.
Fifth set: Van Veen (3) 0-1 (1) Anderson* Van Veen throws first in this set, and has the chance to take charge … but Anderson comes out fighting, breaking in 10 darts to shift the momentum.
Van Veen has an average of 104.6 after four sets – 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’s the Flying Scotsman.
ShareVan Veen wins the fourth set, leads 3-1!
Ando opens with 96 and Van Veen responds with a max –then follows with a 177, and the nine-darter is on! Ack, the first dart drops low, but he’s left 47 to take a 3-1 lead … and surprise, he hits the double on his first attempt. It’s bordering on disrespectful now.
van Veen in action. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The GuardianShare
Updated at 17.01 EST
Fourth set: Van Veen (2) 2-2 (1) Anderson* From 161, Van Veen trims effortlessly down to 32, with Anderson not on a finish. A ninth double out of 12 is converted – that’s close to unplayable.
Fourth set: *Van Veen (2) 1-2 (1) Anderson Anderson miscounts from 87, ending up on 39. A tricky finish to manoeuvre, but he gets there in three darts.
Fourth set: Van Veen (2) 1-1 (1) Anderson* With Van Veen on 76, Anderson gets down to double top. Pressure on? Not really – the Dutchman hits T20, D8 in two darts.