Gian van Veen breaks 23 year World Grand Prix average record but still loses to Luke Littler in remarkable feat

A small consolation for Gian van Veen after his thrilling first-round exit at the World Grand Prix against Luke Littler. Despite defeat, ‘GVV The Giant’ made history by posting the highest-ever average in the double-in, double-out format.

The record, which had stood since 2001, previously belonged to Alan Warriner-Little, who averaged 106.45 more than two decades ago. Van Veen edged past that mark by the narrowest of margins, setting a new benchmark of 106.47.

In what was statistically the best match ever played at the World Grand Prix, Van Veen fell 2–0 in sets to the teenage sensation from England. The Dutchman started in style with an 11-darter and later moved 2–1 ahead in the opening set with a tidy 74 checkout.

However, Littler hit back superbly with a 151 finish before snatching the set with an 86 checkout. After the interval, Van Veen had a brief opening when Littler missed his usual five-leg dominance, but he couldn’t capitalise. The world number one regained control with an 18-darter to hold and then shifted into another gear, reeling off two 12-darters to seal the second set 3–0.

Littler’s average of 105.58 ensured this contest entered the history books as the first-ever World Grand Prix match in which both players averaged over 100.

That figure places Littler third on the all-time list, while the remaining spots in the top five date back to 2013. That year, Gary Anderson beat Jelle Klaasen 2–0 with a 104.86 average, the fourth-highest in tournament history. Completing the list is Michael van Gerwen, who recorded 104.47 in his 2–0 win over John Part at the same event.