Gian Van Veen dethrones Luke Humphries at the World Matchplay as Nijman ousts Aspinall
Gian van Veen sensationally ended Luke Humphries’ World Matchplay title defence on a dramatic opening night in Blackpool which also saw Wessel Nijman stun Nathan Aspinall.
Day One of the summer’s biggest darts event saw the two most recent World Matchplay champions crash out of the tournament, with Van Veen headlining a trio of Dutch winners at the Winter Gardens.
Humphries was bidding to become the fourth player in World Matchplay history to retain the Phil Taylor Trophy, but the world number one was stopped in his tracks by an inspired Van Veen.
The Dutch youngster held his nerve to seal a 10-8 victory with the aid of eight 180s as he set up a showdown with his World Cup partner Danny Noppert in the Last 16.
Humphries fired in 146 and 127 checkouts in a contest littered with quality, but Van Veen was not to be denied, reeling off four of the last five legs to celebrate a landmark victory.
“This means so much to me,” reflected Van Veen, who was beaten in an epic tie-break by Rob Cross on debut 12 months ago.
“I have achieved plenty in my career so far, but this feels like the biggest win of my career.
“To beat such a phenomenal player like Luke is an amazing feeling. He’s such a great champion, such a great guy, so I’m over the moon.”
World Youth Champion Van Veen will be joined in round two by his compatriot Nijman – who averaged 101 to defeat Aspinall 10-6 in another high-quality contest.
Nijman delivered a nerveless display on his World Matchplay debut, fending off a valiant mid-game fightback from the Stockport star, who hit a brace of 121 checkouts on the bull in defeat.
“This is massive for me. I’m very happy with the way I played tonight,” admitted Nijman, who fired in a flurry of maximums in the closing stages of the tie.
“Obviously I have won a game at Alexandra Palace before, but for me this is probably more special.
“If I play like this all the time, I want to play here every time! I felt comfortable tonight, but I will just take it game by game.”
Nijman now advances to a meeting with 2007 champion James Wade – who reaffirmed his title credentials in a 10-3 demolition of 2023 semi-finalist Joe Cullen.
Wade – featuring in his 20th consecutive Betfred World Matchplay campaign – recorded his highest ever average on the Winter Gardens stage, averaging 104.7 and pinning 67 per cent of his attempts at doubles.
“I’m not here to make the numbers up. I know I’m good enough to win,” said Wade, who provisionally climbs to fifth in the Order of Merit.
“I’m very happy with that result, because we all know that Joe is a great dart player.
“This is my 20th year in Blackpool, and it’s still my favourite tournament; my favourite venue. It’s a magical place, and I’m grateful to be here!”
In Saturday’s other first round tie, 2022 semi-finalist Noppert thrashed struggling debutant Cameron Menzies 10-2.
Menzies endured a debut to forget at the Winter Gardens – remarkably busting his score of 178 in leg four – and Noppert took full advantage of his opponent’s woes to breeze through to round two.
“I’m really pleased with the way I’m playing at the moment,” insisted the former UK Open champion.
“I’m really looking forward to playing Gian now. It is a tough draw, but every game is tough in this tournament.”
Betfred World Matchplay 2025 Day One Results
Saturday July 19
First Round
James Wade 10-3 Joe Cullen
Danny Noppert 10-2 Cameron Menzies
Luke Humphries 8-10 Gian van Veen
Nathan Aspinall 6-10 Wessel Nijman
