Gian van Veen emerged victorious in the European Championship after defeating Luke Humphries in a thrilling match. The 23-year-old Dutch player displayed remarkable composure to secure an 11-10 win over the top-ranked player in the world.

The atmosphere was tense at Dortmund’s Westfalenhalle as Van Veen staged a comeback from a 4-1 deficit, overcame missed opportunities, and eventually clinched the victory with a decisive double 16 in the final set.

Reflecting on his emotional win in an interview with ITV Sport, Van Veen expressed his disbelief and gratitude for the momentous achievement. He praised his opponent, Luke Humphries, acknowledging his exceptional skills and sportsmanship throughout the match.

In a gracious response, Luke Humphries commended Van Veen for his performance and admitted his disappointment at the outcome, accepting defeat with dignity.

With this triumph, Van Veen earned a significant prize of £120,000 and climbed to the seventh position in the PDC Order of Merit, edging closer to the top five.

Despite facing challenges on his journey to the final, including a minor injury to his throwing hand during a previous match, Van Veen demonstrated resilience and determination. His impressive victories over formidable opponents like Michael van Gerwen showcased his talent and determination to succeed.

The injury did not deter Van Veen’s focus and determination, as he overcame the physical obstacle and maintained his performance to secure the European Championship title.