Luke Humphries Warns of Gian van Veen’s Threat at World Darts Championship
During the ongoing World Darts Championship, Luke Humphries has identified Gian van Veen as a significant contender. Van Veen showcased an impressive performance, achieving a remarkable 108.28 average in a second-round victory against Scotland’s Alan Soutar.
Key Performances and Upcoming Matches
Humphries, after securing a commanding 3-0 win over Paul Lim, is on track to face Gabriel Clemens in the third round. If successful, he could potentially meet Van Veen in the quarter-finals. Notably, 14 of the 32 seeded players have been eliminated early in the tournament, which has intensified the competition.
Humphries’ Perspective on Competition
Humphries praised Van Veen’s capabilities, acknowledging that the Dutch player has defeated him four times this year. “Gian is definitely one of the players who can beat me, and he’s also proven this by winning the European Championship,” said Humphries. He expressed that a quarter-final matchup against Van Veen would be exciting, highlighting the high stakes involved.
Van Veen’s Momentum
Van Veen, a two-time world youth champion, emphasized focusing on his performance rather than comparing himself to others. He is set to compete against Latvian veteran Madars Razma in the next round. Despite his success, including a stunning 170 finish against Soutar, he remains grounded about the tournament’s outcome.
Confidence and Pressure
In the lead-up to the championship, Van Veen was considered third or fourth favorite by bookmakers. With some top contenders already eliminated, he aims to maintain his current form. “I want to go as far as possible in the tournament, without putting extra pressure on myself,” he stated.
Looking Ahead
As the championship progresses, the anticipation builds for what could be a thrilling quarter-final showdown between Humphries and Van Veen, both recognized as premier players in the darts world today. Fans look forward to the potential clash, which could redefine the championship’s narrative.