PDC affirm darts star in hospital after withdrawing from Premier League occasion
Gian van Veen has withdrawn from tonight’s BetMGM Premier League in Dublin after being diagnosed with kidney stones. The Dutchman had been due to play Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals, but the match will not go ahead as planned as the 23-year-old remains in hospital.
Van Gerwen will now be given a bye through to the semi-finals under tournament rules and awarded two league points and +1 leg difference. Van Veen, on the other hand, will receive no league points and -6 leg difference.
In a statement, the PDC confirmed: “Gian van Veen has withdrawn from Thursday’s BetMGM Premier League in Dublin after being diagnosed with kidney stones.
(Image: (Liam McBurney/PA Wire))
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“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.
“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.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Van Veen is the second player to withdraw from a round during this year’s competition after Michael van Gerwen pulled out of the round in Glasgow due to illness.
A PDC statement at the time read: “Michael van Gerwen has withdrawn from Thursday’s BetMGM Premier League action in Glasgow due to illness.
“The seven-time Premier League champion has been ruled out of night three at the OVO Hydro tonight due to a medical issue.”
Van Veen is currently fourth in the table behind rivals Gerwyn Price, Luke Littler and leader Jonny Clayton.
The Welshman claimed his second weekly win of the year in Nottingham last week, beating Luke Humphries in the final and making light of suffering with gout in his ankle as he limped to success.
“Two nightly wins in the first six weeks, it’s brilliant,” said Clayton. “I wasn’t expecting to do so well, but it’s happening.
“I’m looking for two points week-in, week-out, and anything else is a bonus. I love it. I’m top of the league and that’s where I want to be. It’s hard to catch the ones on top.
“I know that Luke will be coming out all guns blazing in Dublin as well, but my aim is to win two points. I don’t care who I play against, I need two points on that board.”
