The climax of the World Darts Championship was dramatically interrupted on Saturday evening after Dutch player Gian van Veen cut his finger, leaving a trail of blood on the dart board during the final against Luke Littler.
Incident Halts Play at Alexandra Palace
The unexpected incident occurred in the high-stakes atmosphere of the final at London's iconic Alexandra Palace. As van Veen prepared for a throw, it became apparent he had sustained a cut to his hand. A drop of blood from Gian van Veen's finger subsequently landed on the playing surface of the dart board, staining it and forcing officials to take immediate action.
Officials Step In for Board Change
In accordance with the rules and hygiene protocols of the sport, the match officials had no choice but to temporarily halt the contest. The stained board was swiftly changed to ensure fair and safe play could continue. This pause provided a brief but tense interlude in the showdown between the young sensation Luke Littler and his opponent van Veen, who was attended to for the minor injury.
Final Proceeds After Unusual Delay
Once the new board was installed and van Veen's hand was seen to, the final resumed. The incident, while unusual, is a stark reminder of the intense physical and mental pressure players are under in such a major sporting event. The match took place on January 3, 2026, and will be remembered not only for the darts played but for this highly unusual stoppage. The focus quickly returned to the oche as both players aimed to claim the prestigious Sid Waddell Trophy.
Such occurrences are rare in professional darts, but the swift response by officials at the World Darts Championship ensured the integrity of the contest was maintained. Fans at Ally Pally and those watching around the world were treated to a final that contained a moment of drama few could have predicted.
