Gian van Veen averages 110.51 to beat Carl Sneyd at Grand Slam of Darts

Gian van Veen averaged 110.51 to beat Carl Sneyd 5-2 in Group M on the opening day of the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton.

The third seed produced the highest average of Saturday’s evening session, just ahead of Luke Littler’s 109.97.

Sneyd was making his Grand Slam debut. He averaged 101.09 and pushed Van Veen for long spells, but the Dutch number one was too strong.

How Gian van Veen beat Carl Sneyd

This was no walkover. Sneyd matched Van Veen for maximums, with both players hitting four 180s, according to dartn.de.

The difference was Van Veen’s consistency. He pulled clear at 4-1. Sneyd hit back with a 68 checkout to make it 4-2, but the world No 3 closed it out in the next leg.

For Sneyd, it was a performance that offered encouragement despite the defeat. Sneyd averaged 101.09 despite the defeat, a strong performance on his Grand Slam debut.

Van Veen’s form coming into Wolverhampton

Van Veen arrived in Wolverhampton as one of the biggest threats to Littler’s title. He reached the World Championship final in January, beating Luke Humphries and Gary Anderson before losing 7-1 to Littler.

His best Grand Slam run so far is a quarter-final in 2024. Last year he finished third in his group on leg difference, a reminder of how fine the margins can be.

That makes a strong start even more valuable. Our Gian van Veen Grand Slam preview said his first task was to beat Sneyd, and he has made a strong start.

What it means for Group M

Group M also includes Bradley Brooks. Under this year’s new format, there are 16 groups of three and only the group winner reaches the last 16.

Sneyd came through the Tour Card Holder Qualifier, and he plays Brooks on Sunday evening.

Van Veen will qualify if he beats Brooks on Tuesday. If Brooks also beats Sneyd, their meeting will decide the group. If Sneyd beats Brooks and Brooks then beats Van Veen, all three will finish with one win and the tie-break rules will decide who progresses. Leg difference comes first.

Check the Grand Slam of Darts schedule and the Grand Slam of Darts groups for what comes next, and catch up on the rest of the day one action. Follow the week on our darts hub.

Gian van Veen vs Carl Sneyd: FAQ

What was the score in Gian van Veen vs Carl Sneyd?
Van Veen won 5-2.

What did Gian van Veen average against Carl Sneyd?
110.51, the highest of Saturday’s evening session. Sneyd averaged 101.09.

Who is in Group M at the Grand Slam of Darts?
Gian van Veen, Bradley Brooks and Carl Sneyd.

When does Gian van Veen play next?
He plays Bradley Brooks on Tuesday 17 November.

How many players qualify from each group?
One. Only the group winner reaches the last 16.

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