Jan van Veen “plans to play” on the eighth night of Premier League Darts in Berlin on Thursday, despite still recovering from surgery to remove a kidney stone.
The Dutchman was forced to withdraw from last week’s tournament in Dublin, where he was due to face Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals.
Van Veen announced on social media that he had arrived in Germany ahead of his match against Welshman Gerwyn Price.
“I’m happy to say I’m in Berlin and will be playing tomorrow night,” he wrote in X. “Last week’s absence has left a mark on the standings. We are currently in sixth place. The road to return is still ongoing and we are excited to be here again. It’s time to get back to work.”
Van Veen currently sits sixth in the standings without a win overnight, just two points out of a playoff spot. He is scheduled to face Price in the fourth quarterfinal match that night, but will not be available to the media before then.
“As Gian continues to recover following treatment for kidney stones, PDC, Gian and his management team have agreed that he will not make any pre-event media appearances ahead of Night 8 of the BetMGM Premier League in Berlin on Thursday,” PDC said.
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Let’s take a look at some of the best reactions players have had to booing and whistling people in the crowd.
Van Veen explained on Wednesday that his energy levels remained low after the surgery, but he was hopeful that he would be fit to perform in Berlin.
“After surgery to remove a kidney stone, recovery was a process that required patience,” he told X. “Unfortunately, it’s not easy when all you want to do is compete on this packed schedule.
“But the fatigue is real. My energy levels are still lower than I expected and I have to be smart about how I use it every day. But I’m on the board as much as my body allows. I’m practicing, working and rebuilding to get back to where I want to be.”
The statement also included a video of Van Veen practicing throwing, acknowledging that the 23-year-old continues to recover but is “still not where I would like to be.”
“Berlin is the goal,” he continued. “Being on the Premier League stage and coming back with Oche is what drives me every day and in every session.
“I’m doing everything I can to be available this Thursday. But I have to listen to my body and try not to make hasty decisions. As important as the Premier League is, my health is more important.”
“The will is there. The motivation has never gone away. Now it’s about making sure everything can be arranged in time. I look forward to seeing you in Berlin on Thursday.”
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Highlights of the final between Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price on night seven of the Premier League in Dublin.
Johnny Clayton leads the way with 19 points after his second straight win, followed by back-to-back world champion Luke Littler with 16 points after a stunning come-from-behind victory over Price last week.
What’s happening on the 8th night of the Premier League in Berlin?
BetMGM Premier League Night 8 takes place in Berlin on Thursday, March 26th, as Luke Littler begins his bid for a third win of 2026 against Stephen Bunting at the Uber Arena.
League leaders Creighton face Josh Lock in the evening’s opener, while Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen also face off, while Price faces Van Veen for a place in the semi-finals.
14 of the 16 league games in the quarterfinals will be played in tie order, with games on nights 8 and 16 determined by league standings starting each night.
Who will win this year’s Premier League Darts? Luke Humphries will defend his title and the fight can be seen on Sky Sports every Thursday until May. Stream darts and other top sports now.
