Gian van Veen Withdraws From Premier League Due to Kidney Stones
DUBLIN, Ireland – The Premier League Darts schedule faced an unexpected shift on , as Gian van Veen was forced to withdraw from Night Seven in Dublin due to a sudden illness. The Dutch No. 1 was diagnosed with kidney stones and is currently receiving treatment in hospital, according to announcements from both the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and Van Veen himself.
Van Veen, currently ranked fourth in the league standings, was slated to face fellow Dutchman Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-final matchup. With Van Veen’s withdrawal, van Gerwen receives a bye directly to the semi-finals. The impact extends beyond just the bracket; van Gerwen also gains two league points and a +1 leg difference, while Van Veen forfeits a -6 leg difference and receives no points for the night.
The 23-year-old Van Veen has been a standout performer in his debut Premier League season, finishing as runner-up on three occasions through the first six nights. His absence creates a notable void in the competition, particularly as he was part of a tight group of players – alongside Gerwyn Price and Luke Humphries – vying for a spot in the season-ending finals. Van Gerwen, while benefiting from the circumstances, trails that group by a single point.
“Unfortunately, I will not be able to travel to Dublin tonight for Night 7 of the Premier League due to medical reasons,” Van Veen stated in a message released on morning. “I apologise to everyone who was looking forward to the match and to all the fans who were planning to come to Dublin. I hope to be back on stage as soon as possible.”
The PDC confirmed the details of Van Veen’s withdrawal and the subsequent adjustments to the schedule and standings. “Gian van Veen has withdrawn from Thursday’s BetMGM Premier League in Dublin after being diagnosed with kidney stones,” the PDC statement read. “The Dutch number one was hoping to continue his stellar debut season, sitting in fourth place after six nights and finishing runner-up on three occasions. However, the World Championship runner-up has been ruled out of Night Seven at the 3Arena this evening, as the 23-year-old remains in hospital.”
The situation highlights the unpredictable nature of professional sports, where even established routines can be disrupted by unforeseen medical issues. Van Veen’s rapid rise in the darts world has made him a popular figure, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt by both his competitors and the fans.
Meanwhile, Jonny Clayton arrives in Dublin holding a commanding eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. He is aiming to secure his third consecutive night of victory, having already triumphed in Glasgow and Nottingham. The competition remains fierce, however, with the top players closely bunched together in the standings, making every match crucial as the season progresses.
The incident also underscores the physical demands placed on darts players, despite the sport’s often-perceived lack of strenuous activity. The precision and concentration required at the highest level, combined with the pressures of travel and competition, can take a toll on even the most physically fit athletes. Kidney stones, while not directly related to the act of throwing darts, demonstrate the vulnerability of players to common medical ailments.
The focus now shifts to van Gerwen, who will capitalize on the unexpected bye into the semi-finals. He will be looking to leverage this advantage and further solidify his position in the league standings. However, the circumstances surrounding his advancement are unlikely to diminish the competitive spirit of the remaining players, all of whom are determined to secure their own place in the finals.
The Premier League Darts continues on , with the remaining players battling for points and positioning. The league is scheduled to culminate at The O2 arena in London on , where the top contenders will vie for the coveted Premier League Darts title. All eyes will be on Van Veen’s recovery and potential return to the competition as the season unfolds.