The 23-year-old Dutch sensation, currently sitting in fourth place in the league table after an impressive debut season, will miss tonight’s event at the 3Arena. Van Veen had been scheduled to face off against the experienced Michael van Gerwen in what promised to be a thrilling matchup. With his withdrawal, Van Gerwen now receives a bye straight into the semi-finals, along with two league points and a +1 leg difference adjustment, while Van Veen’s leg difference will be adjusted by -6.
Van Veen, who reached the final of the World Championship in January—where he fell to teenage sensation Luke Littler in his maiden appearance at Alexandra Palace—has been in strong form throughout the Premier League campaign. He has secured runner-up finishes on three occasions so far, showcasing his precision, composure under pressure, and rapid rise in the rankings. Currently ranked as the Dutch No. 1 and third in the world, his performances have made him one of the most exciting players to watch this year.
The withdrawal came after Van Veen was diagnosed with kidney stones, a painful condition that led to his hospitalization. He remains under medical care, with hopes of being discharged later today or tomorrow. The issue reportedly began escalating on Sunday morning, worsening after his recent travels and competitions.
In a heartfelt personal statement shared on social media, Van Veen expressed his deep disappointment and apologized directly to fans in Dublin. “This is not the message I wanted to write,” he began. “Right up until the last moment, getting on that stage tonight was everything I was working towards, but sometimes things are simply out of your hands.”
He continued, detailing the timeline of his ordeal: “The pain started Sunday morning, but got a whole lot heavier once I returned home after Göttingen. I am still in the hospital since yesterday morning, where I hope to return home later today or tomorrow. Unfortunately, I will not be able to travel to Dublin tonight for Night 7 of the Premier League due to medical reasons.”
Van Veen’s absence is a significant blow to the evening’s lineup, as the Premier League format relies on consistent participation from its star players to build momentum in the league standings. With 10 weeks of competition still remaining after this night, his strong position in fourth place means he will have opportunities to recover ground upon his return, but tonight’s fans at the 3Arena will miss out on seeing one of the sport’s brightest young talents in action.
The darts community has rallied around Van Veen, with many expressing well-wishes for a speedy recovery. Kidney stones can be intensely painful and disruptive, often requiring rest and medical management to resolve fully. For a player at the peak of his powers, this unexpected setback underscores how even the most prepared athletes can face unforeseen challenges.
As the Premier League continues its grueling Thursday-night schedule across various venues, Van Veen’s withdrawal serves as a reminder of the physical demands of top-level darts. Players must balance intense travel, high-stakes matches, and the toll it takes on the body. Van Veen has already proven his resilience this season, and supporters will be eagerly awaiting his comeback, confident that this talented 23-year-old will bounce back stronger.
In the meantime, the show goes on in Dublin, with other high-profile clashes set to take the stage, including Stephen Bunting versus Luke Littler and Josh Rock taking on Gerwyn Price. The evening will proceed without one of its anticipated stars, but the spirit of competition—and the hope for Van Veen’s quick return—remains strong.
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