Gian van Veen throws nine-darter in stunning career first during defeat to against Luke Littler

Gian van Veen’s first-ever televised nine-darter was not enough to get the better of Luke Littler at the Poland Darts Open.

The Dutch darts star achieved perfection during the fifth leg of the final in Krakow on Sunday night.

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Van Veen sent the crowd wild as he followed up a pair of 180s with a 141 checkout.

Littler had been himself left just 53 after nine darts but was not given the chance to take it out.

Instead, his rival snatched the opportunity to take a 3-2 lead with a perfect leg.

It is the first time Van Veen has produced a nine-darter at a televised event in his career, drawing raucous celebrations and applause from his opponent.

However, he was unable to come out on top against the world No.1 in Poland.

Littler would instead go on to claim an 8-4 victory to become the inaugural Poland Darts Open champion.

The defeat extends Van Veen’s wait for a first European Tour title despite winning the European Championship in October.

His latest loss was his third in a EuroTour event final after previous defeats in Hungary and Germany.

Meanwhile, Littler gained revenge for their previous meeting in the Premier League.

Van Veen had claimed a 6-4 triumph over the Nuke at the opening night of this year’s tournament in Newcastle on February 5.

As for Littler, he scooped £35,000 with his latest PDC title to extend his lead at the top of the world rankings.

His opponent, meanwhile, will take home £15,000 as the runner-up.

Prior to beating Van Veen, Littler had seen off Mike De Decker, Ross Smith, Josh Rock and Chris Dobey this weekend to reach the final.

Littler’s win is already his fifth EuroTour victory having also won the first event of the year in both 2024 and 2025.

The teenager will not add to that tally at the European Darts Trophy next month, though, as he has not entered the tournament.

As a result, Van Veen will be seeded second in Gottingen, Germany across March 13 to 15 behind Luke Humphries.

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He could meet Littler on night four of the Premier League in Belfast on Thursday, though.

However, it will not be until the final as Van Veen faces Rock in the opening round with Littler taking on Jonny Clayton.

More to follow.