ROTTERDAM – Dutch darts star Gian van Veen has insisted he will not change his approach or attitude following a heated on-stage confrontation with young English phenom Luke Littler during their second-round match at the Viaplay Masters on Thursday night.
The incident occurred in the deciding leg of a tense last-16 tie, with both players averaging over 105. After Littler celebrated a 164 checkout with a fist-pump and a stare towards Van Veen’s side of the stage, the 23-year-old Dutchman responded with a sarcastic smile and a pointed gesture of his own. The exchange continued briefly as they passed at the oche, requiring the match referee to step between them.
Littler, 19, went on to win the match 6-5, hitting a 121 finish on the bullseye. Speaking in his post-match interview, the teenage World Championship finalist downplayed the spat. “I was just pumped up. He gave me a look earlier, so I gave one back. It’s just adrenaline,” Littler said.
Van Veen, however, took a markedly different tone. In the mixed zone after the match, he made it clear he felt no need to apologize.
“I’m not backing down for anyone—not for his name, not for his age, not for the hype,” Van Veen told reporters. “He’s a fantastic player, but on that stage, we are equals. If he wants to stare me down after a big shot, he’d better be ready for it to come back.”
The Dutchman, who has been tipped as a future top-10 player, acknowledged that the moment had escalated but rejected suggestions that he had been disrespectful. “Respect is earned leg by leg, not given because of a reputation. I didn’t cross any line. I simply let him know that I’m still here. Next time, I’ll do the same.”
Former world champion Raymond van Barneveld, watching from the commentary booth, called the clash “unnecessary but honest,” adding that “the old school of darts loved this kind of fire, but today’s game is trying to move past it.”
Social media erupted within minutes, with fans split between those praising Van Veen’s defiance and those accusing him of sour grapes after a narrow loss. Littler declined to continue the war of words, telling Sky Sports: “I’ve already forgotten it. On to the next round.”
Van Veen, meanwhile, doubled down on his stance as he left the venue. “I shook his hand at the end. That’s where it ends. But don’t expect me to stand there like a statue. If that bothers anyone, that’s their problem.”
The PDC has confirmed it will review the incident but is not expected to issue any formal sanctions, with officials describing it as a “minor unsportsmanlike conduct” at worst.
Van Veen is next scheduled to compete at the Dutch Darts Championship in Zwolle next month, where a potential rematch with Littler is already being heavily anticipated by fans.
