Gian Van Veen Had Major Request Rejected by Gary Anderson Before Semi-Final

Gian van Veen's request to World Darts Championship semi-final opponent Gary Anderson was politely rejected by the Scot.

Van Veen beat two-time champ Anderson 6-3 on sets to set up a mouthwatering final showdown with reigning champion and world No.1 Luke Littler at Alexandra Palace on Saturday night.

The seventh meeting between the pair, a rematch of the 2023 world youth final, will see the winner pocket a record £1 million prize money.

Van Veen's incredible run, to the tournament comes despite battling dartitis and being colour blind, has improved his world ranking to No.3 and moved ahead of compatriot Michael van Gerwen.

The rankings means he appears to be a shoo-in for the 2026 Premier League as the top four ranked players receive automatic invitations.

Speaking after hammering Luke Humphries, Van Veen said he was "very excited" about the opportunity and that he "couldn't even dream about it growing up".

But he also followed out on a plea from Humphries by calling for Anderson to participate in this year's Premier League - even asking him directly.

Van Veen revealed his request to Anderson. Image: Getty

Anderson won the weekly competition twice but has not been present since 2022. He still looks forward to playing in the Pro Tours and is not interest in the demanding 17-week travel schedule for the Premier League, which is every Thursday from 5 February in Newcastle until 28 May with the finale at the O2 Arena in London.

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Van Veen said: "Even before the semi-final tonight I asked Gary, 'Are you going to be in the Premier League?' He said 'No I can't do it, too much travel blah blah blah"

"I said no don't bother come on, join us. Play in the Premier League because that's what we all want to see, but If Gary says he doesn't want to do it because it'll cost him on the rankings."

Anderson has regularly been asked about a return to the Premier League, cheekily changing topic and saying, "Nice weather outside, isn’t it?".

He later expanded and said that he is concentrating on his rankings and explained: "I can't do it for 16 weeks on the road then try to get back for them. I can't do it."

Anderson congratulated Van Veen after he beat him in the semi-final. Image: Getty

Anderson is the last person to win the World Darts Championship back-to-back and Littler is hoping to join the 55-year-old and 16-time world champ Phil Taylor in the exclusive clip.

Ahead of the main event, Anderson wrote a message on social media and said: "Really enjoyed last night, well done Gian & good luck to you & @LukeTheNuke180 in the final it’s going to be a cracker!."