The world number one and defending champion Luke Humphries has suffered a stunning first-round exit from the World Matchplay darts tournament, falling 10-8 to Gian van Veen at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
Humphries, who entered the tournament as second favourite behind Luke Littler, was defeated by the 23-year-old Dutchman in what proved to be a gripping encounter on Saturday evening.
The 2024 World Youth champion Van Veen produced a remarkable performance to eliminate 'Cool Hand' Humphries, who had returned to Blackpool hoping to claim the enhanced £225,000 winner's prize but instead crashed out at the first hurdle.
Van Veen seized control early, establishing a 2-0 advantage before Humphries mounted a comeback to lead 3-2 at the first interval.
PA
|Luke Humphries lost to Gian van Veen in a dramatic first-round clash
The match developed into a fierce battle with neither player able to establish a commanding lead.
The momentum shifted repeatedly as both competitors traded legs in what became an enthralling contest.
The crucial moment arrived when Van Veen moved 9-7 ahead, leaving him just one leg from victory.
Though Humphries reduced the deficit to 9-8, the young Dutchman maintained his composure to close out the match by holding his throw.
The match statistics underscored Van Veen's superiority on the night, as he posted a 98.45 average compared to Humphries' 95.69.
THE CHAMP IS OUT! 😱
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 19, 2025
Luke Humphries' reign as World Matchplay champion ends on the opening night! ❌
What a moment for Gian van Veen! 🇳🇱
📺 https://t.co/ZboV9dF4Ji#MatchplayDarts | R1 pic.twitter.com/PJyDn8SULD
The Dutchman also threw eight 180s to Humphries' three and achieved a 40 per cent checkout rate against the world number one's 28.6 per cent.
Van Veen converted 10 of his 25 checkout attempts whilst Humphries managed just 8 from 28 opportunities.
The young Dutchman's impressive recent form had generated considerable anticipation, and he fully justified the excitement surrounding his potential with this spectacular victory over the tournament's defending champion.
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