Gian van Veen forced to pull out of Premier League Darts at last minute after being hospitalised

Gian van Veen has pulled out of the Premier League Darts in Dublin on Thursday night due to kidney stones.

The Dutchman, who lost to Luke Littler in the World Darts Championship earlier this year, currently sits fourth in the Premier League standings.

Getty

Van Veen was due to face compatriot Michal van Gerwen in the quarter-finals of the 2026 season.

However, the 23-year-old posted a statement on his official X account, stating that he misses Thursday’s action due to medical reasons.

“A message to Dublin,” the statement began. “Unfortunately, I will not be able to travel to Dublin tonight for Night 7 of the Premier League due to medical reasons.

“This is not the message I wanted to write. Right up until the last moment, getting on that stage tonight was everything I was working towards, but sometimes things are simply out of your hands.

“The pain started Sunday morning, but got a whole lot heavier once I returned home after Göttingen. I am still in the hospital since yesterday morning, where I hope to return home later today or tomorrow.

“To the fans in Dublin and Ireland: I am truly sorry. You are one of the crowds I look forward to the most and it genuinely hurts to miss this one. I hope we get another chance soon, because I will definitely be there.

“Thank you for your understanding. I’ll be back.”

The PDC also released a statement confirming Van Veen’s absence and how that will impact Van Gerwen.

“Gian van Veen has withdrawn from Thursday’s BetMGM Premier League in Dublin after being diagnosed with kidney stones,” the statement began.

“The Dutch number one was hoping to continue his stellar debut season, sitting in fourth place after six nights and finishing runner-up on three occasions.

Shutterstock Editorial

“However, the World Championship runner-up has been ruled out of Night Seven at the 3Arena this evening, as the 23-year-old remains in hospital.

“Van Veen’s scheduled quarter-final opponent, Michael van Gerwen, resultantly receives a Bye through to the semi-finals under tournament rules.

“Van Gerwen receives two league points and +1 leg difference. Van Veen receives no league points and -6 leg difference.”

The other three quarter-final games are due to continue as normal, with Stephen Bunting up against Luke Littler, Josh Rock to face Gerwyn Price, and Premier League leader Jonny Clayton taking on Luke Humphries.