World Grand Prix action on Day Two saw World No 1 Gian van Veen deliver a commanding performance against compatriot Dirk van Duijvenbode, while former world champion Gary Anderson edged through a tense encounter against Damon Heta.
Van Veen wasted little time making an impact, seizing the opening set with a quiet authority that left his opponent struggling. Van Duijvenbode averaged just 67 in the first leg and continued to falter, missing two attempts at 54 before Van Veen finally converted double 10. Sky Sports analyst Glen Durrant praised the Dutchman’s composure, noting he appeared “very within himself” and was displaying the relaxed mindset of a player back at his peak.
The provisional world No 2 extended his lead to 3-0 in sets, capitalizing on Van Duijvenbode’s inability to score. Despite missing double 16 for a 112 checkout initially, Van Veen eventually secured the set after a robust 121 break. He closed out the match with a clinical 16 finish, leaving Van Duijvenbode languishing on 246 with an average of just 56.62. Durrant highlighted Van Veen’s evolution, describing him as a “different animal” with superior scoring and doubling capabilities.
In the other marquee matchup, Gary Anderson was pushed to the limit by Damon Heta before regrouping to take a 3-2 victory. Heta had looked set to advance after producing a stunning 156 finish in the second set, but Anderson refused to yield. The Scot leveled the match at 2-2 after Heta missed a crucial match dart at double five while aiming for 95.
Anderson maintained his composure under pressure, finishing 42 via double 10 and then double 11 to seal the win. Former world champion Heta now faces a sixth consecutive first-round exit at the Leicester event. Anderson will next face Dutch debutant Niels Zonneveld on Thursday.
Zonneveld himself advanced after an impressive win over Josh Rock. The Dutchman stunned presenter Wayne Mardle by executing a difficult bullseye, single 1, bullseye finish for 101. However, Mardle was left even more impressed by Rock’s subsequent play, which included a maximum break followed by a brilliant 151 finish. The Northern Irishman ultimately fell to the debutant’s consistency.
Elsewhere, top seeds Chris Dobey and Josh Rock were eliminated from the tournament, leaving Anderson as the sole remaining seed among that group to progress. Van Veen’s dominant display continues to signal that the World No 1 is firing on all cylinders at the double-in, double-out event.
Did anyone else notice Zonneveld’s finish against Mardle? Absolutely clinical. The future looks bright for the Dutchman.
Heta missing that match dart at 2-2 was brutal. Anderson’s experience really showed in those final sets.
Van Veen is absolutely relentless right now. That composure under pressure is what makes him world number one.