'I’ll bring my best game next week when I face Luke Humphries at the World Matchplay' - Gian van Veen quickly puts Euro Tour loss behind him

Gian van Veen is already looking ahead to the biggest week of his season after falling to a 6-4 defeat against Jonny Clayton in the latest European Tour event, the 2025 Baltic Sea Darts Open.

The Dutchman was edged out in a high-quality encounter in Kiel on Saturday afternoon, with Clayton averaging 98.54, hitting four 180s, and taking out 55% of his doubles to seal the win. Van Veen averaged 96.21 in return and produced a moment of brilliance with a 167 checkout — but admitted afterwards that his game wasn’t quite at the level he needed.

"Unfortunately I could not find the same scoring power as I had yesterday. All the best to Jonny for the rest of the tournament," he reflected on social media following the match.

Rather than dwelling on the defeat, Van Veen was quick to turn his focus to the World Matchplay — where he’ll make his debut next week with a blockbuster tie against reigning world champion Luke Humphries in Blackpool.

"Now time to head home and make sure I’ll bring my best game next week when I will face Luke Humphries at the World Matchplay in Blackpool," he added.