Dutch darts star Gian van Veen has openly stated that he does not anticipate a swift reconciliation with Luke Littler following their intense confrontation during the Premier League Darts event in Manchester. The clash, which occurred on Thursday at the AO Arena, has left relations between the two players notably strained, with Van Veen suggesting future meetings may lack cordiality.
Heated Exchange on the Oche
In a dramatic quarter-final match, Van Veen managed to avenge his previous World Championship final loss to Littler by securing a narrow 6-5 victory in a last-leg decider. The tension escalated when Van Veen missed a crucial match dart, prompting Littler to celebrate exuberantly in front of the home crowd. As Van Veen returned to the oche, the two-time world champion gestured provocatively at his opponent, though he ultimately failed to close out the match himself.
The situation further deteriorated when Littler, upon losing, performed a cry baby action and offered only a brief handshake before exiting the stage. Van Veen, who later fell to Josh Rock in his fourth nightly final of the campaign, did not hold back in his post-match comments, labeling Littler a "bad loser" and criticizing his on-stage conduct as "out of order."
Social Media Sparks Further Friction
The rivalry extended beyond the arena when 19-year-old Littler took to his Instagram Stories to share Van Veen's critical remarks, accompanied by three laughing emojis. This move was interpreted by many as a dismissive response, adding fuel to the already simmering dispute.
In an interview with Swedish streaming service Viaplay, Van Veen confirmed that no direct communication had occurred between the pair since the incident. "No, we haven't spoken," he stated. "He hasn't approached me either. I saw his reaction on social media. He thought it was funny."
Future Encounters Likely to Be Tense
Van Veen expressed skepticism about the prospects of a friendly resolution in the near future. "Well, I don't think things will be very friendly between us anytime soon," he remarked. Emphasizing his focus on personal performance, he added, "I'm here for myself. He's a fantastic darter, the world number one, so what he does for the sport is great, but I care little about what he thinks of me."
The immediate opportunity for a rematch will not arise this weekend, as Littler has not entered the European Tour event in Munich. Meanwhile, world number three Van Veen is set to return to action during Sunday's second round, where he will face either William O'Connor or Sebastian Bialecki.
This ongoing feud highlights the intense competitive spirit within professional darts, with personal rivalries occasionally overshadowing the sport's camaraderie. As both players continue their campaigns, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this dynamic evolves in future tournaments.
