Gian van Veen spills blood on dartboard vs Luke Littler as officials step in
Gian van Veen stained the dartboard with his blood in the World Darts Championship final against Luke Littler at Alexandra Palace
The dartboard was changed in the World Darts Championship final after Gian van Veen cut his finger. The Dutchman accidentally got a drop of blood on the board as he faced Luke Littler.
The Sky Sports commentators said that Van Veen cut his hand and a drop of blood was visible on the bottom single five bed. Officials stepped in to change the board.
It was unclear whether the players requested the board to be changed or whether it was a decision from officials. Regardless, the referee came onto the stage to install a replacement.
Littler dropped the first set to Van Veen but bounced back in stunning style to win 7-1. The 18-year-old was in imperious form.
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By winning his semi-final, Littler had become just the fourth player to make three consecutive finals as he looked to defend his crown in London. Dennis Priestley, Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson are the only three to have achieved the feat before the teenager.
‘The Nuke’ defeated Ryan Searle 6-1 in his semi-final clash, while Gian van Veen, who was in his first World Championship final and second major final, beat Gary Anderson in a 6-3 classic. Littler will take home £1million in prize money and, most importantly, the Sid Waddell Trophy.
Asked about the £1m prize on offer following his semi-final win over Searle, Littler replied: “It’s a massive prize. But it’s the trophy on the stage, it’s not the money.
“I’m repeating myself, but ever since the Grand Slam I have just said I want to go back-to-back. So hopefully I can lift the trophy again and think about the money after.
“It feels great, not many people have done it, the first three World Championships reaching the final. I have joined a short list of people doing that. Now obviously the only goal is to join the list of people going back-to-back champions.”
Watch the World Darts Championship on Sky Sports
The PDC World Darts Championship gets underway on December 11 and fans can watch every match exclusively live with Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle.
