GIAN van VEEN CLAIMS TOUR CARD
Red Dragon star Gian van Veen will compete in the Professional Darts Corporation for 2023 after securing his Tour Card in Kalkar, Germany. The Young Dutchman finished 9th on the European Qualifying School Order of Merit, two points clear of Jacob Taylor who narrowly missed out after finishing 11th.
The 21-year-old played in the MODUS Online Live League during 2022, winning week four of phase four after beating another youngster in Nathan Girvin 4-1 in the Final. GVV tested himself against the very best last year, appearing on the European Tour whilst also going on to reach the Final of Players Championship 29, losing to fellow Red Dragon man Gerwyn Price 8-4 in the Final.
Van Veen is now eligible for all the Pro Tour events as well as the European qualifying events, now he has secured his golden ticket at Qualifying School on the back of his new contract extension with Red Dragon.
Across the four days of action at European Q School, the young Dutchman reached the L16 in the last three days of competition after falling to a L32 defeat on Thursday.
The man born in Poederoijen found some crucial wins over the four days of action, including a L32 victory on Day 3 against former World Champion Christian Kist winning a last leg decider, despite averaging lower than his compatriot.
Van Veen also picked up multiple wins over Slovenian international Benjamin Pratnemer, with many fancying the 43-year-old to pick up a tour card himself in Germany. `
GVV was one of six Dutchman to pick up golden tickets during Q School with recent Lakeside Semi Finalist Richard Veenstra joining the Professional Darts Corporation for the 1st time, after coming second on the Order of Merit behind Maik Kuivenhoven.
Former World Matchplay Semi Finalist Jeffrey de Zwaan won Event 3 in the Final Stage of Qualifying whilst Jeffrey Sparidaans and Niels Zonneveld also secured their tour cards.
The PDC Players Championship events kick start on the 11th of February from the Barnsley Metrodome, as Gian van Veen indicates an exiting new addition to the Pro Tour for the 2023 darting season.
By Harry Masterson