In the electric atmosphere of Alexandra Palace, known affectionately as Ally Pally, the PDC World Darts Championship delivered yet another unforgettable semi-final clash that had fans on the edge of their seats. The match pitted darts legend Gary Anderson, the two-time world champion and a perennial crowd favorite, against rising Dutch star Gian van Veen, whose meteoric ascent has turned heads throughout the tournament. What unfolded was a high-quality battle averaging over 102 for both players, but it was marred by vocal crowd behavior that left many viewers and fans expressing strong disapproval online and in discussions.
The encounter, part of the 2026 championship’s semi-finals, saw van Veen emerge victorious with a 6-3 win, booking his place in the final against reigning champion Luke Littler. From the outset, the tone was set when Anderson claimed the first set against the throw, showcasing his experience and flair. Van Veen, undeterred, responded powerfully, leveling the match and gradually building momentum. The turning point came in the fifth set—a sequence widely hailed as one of the greatest in Ally Pally history. Anderson ignited the crowd with a blistering 10-darter followed by a spectacular 170 checkout, the “Big Fish,” sending roars echoing through the venue. Yet van Veen matched him stroke for stroke, replying with his own 170 finish and clinching the set in a deciding leg to surge into a 4-1 lead.
As Anderson mounted a fierce comeback, winning the next two sets to narrow the gap to 4-3, the Alexandra Palace crowd grew increasingly partisan. Cheers for the 55-year-old Scotsman, affectionately known as the Flying Scotsman, were deafening, but support turned vocal and intense against van Veen. Whistles, boos, and jeers rang out, particularly when the young Dutchman was at the oche, attempting to drown out his focus during crucial moments. This hostile reception drew widespread criticism from darts enthusiasts, who took to social media and forums to voice their disgust at what they perceived as unsporting behavior going too far in a sport celebrated for its passionate yet respectful crowds.
Van Veen himself addressed the atmosphere post-match, showing remarkable composure. “Gary threw everything at me, his finishing was great … the crowd was a bit against me, but it’s fair play because Gary is so fantastic,” he reflected graciously. He added, “The crowd got behind Gary, were whistling and booing at me… but I made it 5-3 and I can do it with the crowd against me.” Despite the pressure, van Veen held firm, sealing the victory with clinical doubles to advance to his maiden world final.
This incident highlighted the double-edged sword of Ally Pally’s famed rowdy environment. While the venue’s energy has long fueled iconic moments in darts—transforming the sport into a global spectacle with fancy dress, chants, and unbridled enthusiasm—it occasionally tips into territory that alienates players and divides opinions among fans. Many argued that booing and whistling, especially directed at a player overcoming personal battles like van Veen’s past struggles with dartitis, crossed a line. Just years ago, the 23-year-old was in tears on the board, battling the yips that nearly derailed his career. “Three or four years ago I was struggling with dartitis, crying after games – look at me now!” he shared, underscoring his resilience.
Anderson, ever the competitor, pushed van Veen to the limit with 14 maximums and multiple ton-plus finishes, but it was the Dutchman’s superior checkout percentage—55% to Anderson’s 45.5%—that proved decisive. Both players traded 170s in that memorable fifth set, a rarity that underscored the elite level on display. Van Veen’s journey to this point has been nothing short of inspirational; having previously failed to win a match at Alexandra Palace, he dismantled world number two Luke Humphries in the quarters before conquering his idol Anderson.
The controversy surrounding the crowd’s actions sparked heated debates about sportsmanship in darts. Supporters of the vocal backing defended it as part of the unique Ally Pally charm, energizing home favorites like Anderson. Critics, however, lamented it as detracting from the brilliance of the contest, with some calling it outright “disgusting” given van Veen’s graceful handling of the adversity. This semi-final not only propelled van Veen into a blockbuster final against Littler—two young talents with a shared history from the youth circuit—but also reignited conversations about balancing passion with respect in the sport.
As the championship heads toward its climax, van Veen’s triumph amid adversity serves as a testament to mental fortitude. Facing Littler, he remains unfazed: “He’s playing fantastic in this tournament, but so am I. Hopefully it’s going to be a great game, but I’m just going to enjoy the moment.” Whatever unfolds in the final, this semi-final will be remembered not just for its dazzling darts, but for the raw emotions it evoked—both on stage and in the stands. Darts at its finest, flaws and all, continues to captivate and provoke in equal measure.
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