Gian van Veen Wins European Darts Championship Final Despite Severe Thumb Injury

Gian van Veen secured a dramatic 11-10 victory over World No. 1 Luke Humphries in the European Championship final, despite playing with a bleeding thumb injury sustained during his semi-final win against Michael van Gerwen. Van Veen, the World Youth Champion, showed remarkable resilience and mental toughness, overcoming the physical discomfort caused by his heavy dart grip that caused skin damage to his throwing hand. The Dutch player expressed immense emotion after his first major title win, highlighting the pressure and difficulty of the match, especially after nearly losing the final leg. Humphries, although disappointed, praised Van Veen's performance and sportsmanship, recognizing him as an impressive player and Premier League material. Van Veen’s injury was widely noted as a significant challenge, with the blood making his darts slip during play, yet he managed to maintain his composure and secure victory. This win elevated Van Veen to World No. 7 and marked a milestone in his career, signaling his rising star in the darts world.