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Gian van Veen Becomes Youngest European Darts Champion With 11–10 Win in Dortmund

A last-leg victory over world No. 1 Luke Humphries delivered the 23-year-old's first major title.

Overview

  • Van Veen clinched the decider after both players missed match darts, prevailing while managing a cut on his throwing hand.
  • The Dutchman beat Michael van Gerwen 11:9 in the semifinals, and Humphries advanced by defeating Danny Noppert 11:8.
  • Three Dutch players reached the semifinals, highlighting the Netherlands' depth at the European Championship in Dortmund.
  • Germany’s last hope, Ricardo Pietreczko, exited in the quarterfinals with a 5:10 loss to Noppert, a run that returned him to the world top 32.
  • The event paid out £600,000 with £120,000 to the winner, and van Veen’s breakthrough lifted him to world No. 7 ahead of the PDC World Championship.