'Michael van Gerwen was the deserved winner' - Gian van Veen 'gutted' but shows class in defeat following German Darts Grand Prix final

Gian van Veen came up just short in his bid to claim a first European Tour title. Just two days before his 23rd birthday, the young Dutchman enjoyed an impressive weekend in Munich but ultimately fell at the final hurdle. In the final, Van Veen was beaten 8-5 by fellow countryman Michael van Gerwen.

Despite the defeat, Van Veen can look back on a stellar weekend of darts.

After a confident opening-round win over Rene Eidams on Saturday, Van Veen went on to record eye-catching victories over Andrew Gilding, Martin Schindler, Ross Smith, and reigning world champion Luke Littler. Those wins secured him a spot in his second European Tour final. Remarkably, his first final on the European Tour - last year at the Hungarian Darts Trophy - also ended in defeat to Van Gerwen.

Van Veen produced one of the best performances of his career in the semi-final against Littler. Averaging a sensational 110.81, he came from 4-3 down to end Littler’s remarkable winning streak on the European Tour. “I’ve had a phenomenal three days,” reflected the Dutch talent happily after the final.

“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," Van Veen continued. “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!”

Fortunately, Van Veen won't have to wait long for another shot at glory. The European Tour resumes this Friday with the Austrian Darts Open - another chance for Van Veen to chase that elusive first title.