Darts star painfully walked into toilet wall before toppling Luke Littler to reach German Grand Prix final
GIAN VAN VEEN overcame injury to reach the German Grand Prix final - after walking into the TOILET wall!
The Dutchman saw off Ross Smith 6-3 in the quarter-final with a 97.5 average and landed six of his eight attempts at doubles.
1
World Youth champion Van Veen looked to be cruising after racing into a 4-0 lead, but Smith clawed back to 4-2 after a slow start.
Van Veen was then seen visibly rubbing his right arm between every leg of the match.
Commentator Dan Dawson noticed the issue during the match.
He laughed and said: 'About halfway through the previous game, up in the players' room, Gian came out of the gents' toilet and walked straight into a wall.
'There's a sharp, pointy bit on the wall that really did leave its mark on him.
'He said at the time, 'Don't worry, it felt worse than it is. I'm fine'. But now I think he might be feeling it.'
His co-commentator added: 'Gian is throwing his arm around a lot as he walks back from the board.
'It looks a bit uncomfortable. He was cruising at 4-0.
'Maybe he has picked up an injury because he keeps rubbing it after every visit.'
Despite the discomfort, Van Veen put doubts to rest in the semi-final where he ended Luke Littler's eight match unbeaten run on the European Tour.
World No. 23 Van Veen produced a dazzling display to defeat the teen sensation 7-4 in Munich.
'The Giant' averaged 110 and hit two ton-plus checkouts—including a stunning 128 finish to halt Littler's momentum.
But his run ended against Dutch compatriot Michael van Gerwen who came through 8-5 to claim the title.
It was Van Veen's second European Tour final.
The 22-year-old already claimed his first ProTour title earlier this year after winning the Players Championship Six.
He said after his crushing defeat to MVG: 'I've had a phenomenal three days.
'Neither of us played our best game in the final.
'I played well on my own legs, but on Michael's throw I didn't perform, and he was the deserved winner.
'I'm a bit gutted to lose, but I'm really happy with second place, and hopefully my first European Tour title is coming soon!'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Celtic eye 'bargain transfer for 16 goal Sweden star' but face three way tussle
Nygren has netted twice in his first three senior caps for his country Celtic are reportedly keen on a summer transfer for Nordsjaelland playmaker Benjamin Nygren. Brendan Rodgers is already off the mark in the window after Kieran Tierney 's sensational Parkhead return from Arsenal on a free transfer was confirmed while young Fulham striker Callum Osmand is having a medical ahead of a move north of the border. And SunSport now claim that Sweden international Nygren is also on the Irishman's radar. The 23-year-old joined Danish side Nordsjaelland from Genk back in 2022 and registered 16 goals and four assists last season to earn a place in the Superliga Team of the Year. The former IFK Goteborg player made his senior international bow earlier this year and took his tally to two goals from his first three caps with a strike in an impressive 2-0 win against Hungary last week. But with the wide man revealing he won't renew his current contract - which runs out at the end of December - his club may look to cash in on their star in order to avoid losing him for nothing in January. While the Hoops are said to be keeping close tabs on the player, the report also adds that they will face stiff competition from Anderlecht and Copenhagen. Attacking reinforcements will be high on Celtic 's transfer wish list this summer. The Hoops have been linked with a move for Telstar frontman Youssef El Kachati who is out of contract next month. But the Dutchman looks to have performed a last-minute U-turn by suggesting he will extend his stay with Telstar after helping them win promotion to the Eredivisie. Record Sport has revealed that the Premiership champions retain an interest in Motherwell sensation Lennon Miller, who is also wanted by clubs right across Europe. Reports elsewhere claim that Celtic are also still keen on Sarpsborg winger Sondre Ørjasæter, who was a target back in January. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also on WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Kyle Walker sent clear message over Man City future as he's snubbed from Club World Cup squad along with Jack Grealish
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PEP GUARDIOLA has left England pair Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker out of his 27-man squad for the Club World Cup. The Manchester City boss and his players will board a flight to their training camp in Miami tomorrow to begin preparations. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish aren't in Pep Guardiola's travel party Credit: EPA 8 Guardiola has omitted two of his most experienced players Credit: PA 8 All four January signings made Guardiola's squad for the Club World Cup, including Omar Marmoush Credit: Shutterstock Editorial But as expected Grealish and Walker will not be part of it – and will stay at home to focus on finding new clubs. It is a case of out with the old and in with the new for the City boss. Guardiola showed he is looking to the future with all of the eight players he has signed in 2025 – at a combined cost of more than £275 million – included. But two of his stalwarts who played a key role in their historic almost two years ago to the day are in the cold. Record signing Grealish – who turns 30 in September – was axed from the squad for the final day victory at Fulham last month. Everton and Newcastle are both monitoring the former Aston Villa captain's situation with a view to ending his Etihad misery. Meanwhile there is no way back for club captain Walker who stunned Guardiola by asking for a move in January. City were having the worst spell of Pep's nine years in charge when the veteran full-back asked if he could explore other opportunities. 8 Man City are tipped to beat Arsenal to Sverre Nypan Credit: Shutterstock Editorial BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK A loan move to Milan began well but ended in disappointment with the Italian giants deciding not to make the move permanent. He has one year left on his contract and will have to return for pre-season training later this summer unless another switch can be fixed up. Thomas Tuchel discusses England future after World Cup 8 Guardiola has also decided not to re-integrate another former Three Lions man – Kalvin Phillips – who spent last season on loan at Ipswich. Meanwhile, James McAtee is also absent having chosen to play for England Under 21s instead. However his four January signings – Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis – are all included. And the same goes for the quartet of players who have arrived this week – Rayan Ait Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders and keeper Marcus Bettinelli. Guardiola's squad will do some warm weather training in Florida before travelling to Philadelphia for the first game in their defence of the trophy. They face Moroccan side Wydad AC before tackling Al Ain and Juventus in their other group fixtures. Dutch midfielder Reijnders became the latest signing to be unveiled by City today – moving from Milan for an intial £46.5 million. He was voted the best midfielder in Italian football last season but admitted he needed to test himself in the Prem. Reijnders – who has signed a five year deal – said: 'It was a big honour - especially because we had a difficult season. 'To still be crowned the best midfielder of the season, I was very happy with that prize.' 'But everybody knows this is the biggest competition in the world. If you saw last season how many clubs were fighting for the top places - the level is incredibly high. 8 James McAtee chose England U21s rather than play in the CWC Credit: Getty 8 Walker has been urged by Thomas Tuchel to sort his future Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 'It's a boy's dream to play in the Premier League. I want to feel the intensity and energy of playing in the Premier League.' City also look to have beaten off rivals Arsenal and Villa in the race for the signature of Norwegian starlet Sverre Nypan. The Etihad club insisted they were not interested in the Rosenborg midfielder, 18, earlier this year but they have now made their move. An £11 million deal is being finalised but the plan would be to send him out on loan next season – possibly to sister club Girona. Walker's Club World Cup snub comes as Thomas Tuchel warned his England stars they MUST play regularly at the start of this season. And the Three Lions boss called on right-back Walker to sort out his future. Tuchel has his finger crossed Trent Alexander-Arnold, who barely played in this latest camp, can hit the ground running at Real Madrid after leaving Liverpool. The German coach said: 'For sure, I hope everyone will be settled at their clubs. "That everyone gets his place back at any club where they play. I just said it to the players. 'At the moment, you see a lack of rhythm in Kyle because he did not play the last matches, not many minutes for AC Milan. "And after his broken elbow, he lost his rhythm and that's what you felt in this camp.'
Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Wales Online
Raymond van Barneveld career move get thumbs up as tournament chief says 'darts is winner'
Raymond van Barneveld career move get thumbs up as tournament chief says 'darts is winner' Five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld will grace a World Seniors event this month after being given special permission to compete by the PDC Raymond van Barneveld's announcement surprised the darting world (Image:) Raymond van Barneveld has received special dispensation to compete in a non-PDC event. The darts community was taken aback this week when the Dutch icon, 58, revealed he had accepted a wildcard invite to participate in the World Seniors Champion of Champions tournament at the end of June. Normally, players with PDC Tour Cards are banned from featuring in TV or streamed competitions that aren't managed by the PDC. Therefore, Van Barneveld's involvement in the World Seniors event led to speculation over his future at the top level. But the five-time world champion is still part of the PDC, which has sanctioned his participation in the Champion of Champions, which will be held at the MODUS Live Lounge in Portsmouth on June 29. When approached, the PDC confirmed: "Raymond has asked for, and been granted, permission to play in the event." Meanwhile, Jason Francis, chairman of World Seniors Darts, confirmed on social media that van Barneveld had adhered to proper protocols. He shared on X: "RVB followed the correct procedures, and permission was granted. It's all good." In response to a question from former world champion Keith Deller about whether other PDC players could follow suit, Francis added: "The PDC contract allows players to apply for permission. In this case [we're] delighted it's been granted for @Raybar180 to play as he is a legend and a fantastic addition but 11 others will want to prove a point so should be fantastic competition. Darts is the winner here." Article continues below Van Barneveld's announcement surprised the darting world (Image: Getty ) Van Barneveld will renew his rivalries with the likes of Simon Whitlock, Steve Beaton and Mervyn King, who will also be part of the 12-player Champion of Champions field. He said: "I am looking forward to playing in this event. "The sport has always loved big characters, and World Seniors Darts have brought them back, with most still playing to a high standard. They have a loyal crowd, and the popularity for the Seniors seems to grow and grow. I'm looking forward to catching up with the old faces of the sport, especially from my BDO era." He insists he won't take his opponents lightly, adding: "I'm not coming over to Portsmouth thinking this will be easy. I will be giving my full respect to all of the players involved, and I will be preparing hard for this tournament. Simon Whitlock will be part of the field at the Champion of Champions event (Image:) "With players like Simon Whitlock, Steve Beaton, and Mervyn King - who've just stepped off the pro tour - plus Seniors World Champions like John Henderson, Robert Thornton and Ross Montgomery, it's going to be a real battle." Article continues below There is no suggestion that Van Barneveld is planning to leave the PDC Tour, and he is on course to be part of the field at next month's PDC World Matchplay at Blackpool's Winter Gardens. But his exception to play in the Champion of Champions does potentially open the door to lower-ranked PDC players and stars of Van Barneveld's age to play in the MODUS Super Series and World Seniors events.
