Van Veen and Anderson produce an unforgettable World Championship semi-final

The World Championship semi-final delivered a true clash of generations, as 23-year-old rising star Gian van Veen faced darts legend Gary Anderson. While the 55-year-old Scot, a two-time world champion in 2015 and 2016, brought immense experience, it was the youthful momentum of the Dutchman that proved decisive.Anderson claimed the opening set, but Van Veen quickly turned the match around to take a 2–1 lead.

In the fourth set, an outstanding 11-dart break leg extended his advantage to 3–1. Van Veen was averaging an impressive 105, while Anderson remained close behind with a 103 average.What followed was arguably the best set of the tournament so far. Van Veen edged it 3–2 in a thrilling battle that saw both players hit a maximum 170 checkout — the highest possible finish, known as the Big Fish. Anderson struck first, followed soon after by Van Veen, with the moment capped by a respectful fist bump between the two.Van Veen moved into a commanding 4–1 lead, but Anderson refused to go quietly.

A crucial Bull checkout in the final leg of the sixth set reduced the deficit to 4–2. The quality remained exceptionally high throughout, with 180s flying in from both players. Anderson found himself in serious trouble in the seventh set, but after huge drama, he won the deciding leg from the non-throwing position to close the gap to 4–3.In the eighth set, after it went to 2–2, Anderson had the darts to level the match, but Van Veen held his nerve and pulled clear to 5–3, moving within one set of the World Championship final.

Anderson again found the Bull in the ninth set and earned the throw to make it 5–4, but Van Veen claimed the set. The Dutchman then stepped up to throw for the match — and delivered.With a 6–3 victory in what was widely regarded as the best match of the tournament so far, Gian van Veen booked his place in Saturday night’s World Championship final, where he will face Luke Littler.