Dramatic Turnaround Secures Van Veen’s ‌Victory

The match saw several momentum shifts, with Anderson initially appearing to be in control despite Van Veen’s ⁢strong performance. After Anderson took a 3-2 lead,Van Veen responded with a remarkable 170 checkout,leveling the‌ match ‍at​ 3-3 adn forcing a ⁢deciding leg.

Van Veen ultimately won the leg and averaged ⁣111.46, while Anderson was left⁣ perplexed by his inability to capitalize⁢ on averaging 117.44 in the set he lost. The 55-year-old anderson demonstrated resilience, ​winning the subsequent two sets to lead⁤ 4-3, putting​ pressure on ⁣his younger opponent, who had previously ​missed four darts⁤ to extend his lead to 5-2.

Despite ​signs of fatigue from both players, Van Veen maintained his composure, taking a 5-3​ lead and then closing out the match with a decisive 13-darter. This victory propels him into the final, a feat he ‍previously considered beyond his ⁢reach.

Van Veen’s Emotional ​Reaction

“To be in ​the World Championship final is not even a dream coming true becuase I wasn’t ⁣able to dream about this,” van Veen told Sky‍ Sports ​immediately after the match.”Now its happened and I’m so happy.” This statement ⁤underscores the⁢ magnitude of his achievement, especially considering he had never⁢ won‍ a match at the World Championship prior ⁢to this event.

Key Match Statistics

• Dirk van Veen Average: 111.46 (in the deciding leg)
• Gary Anderson Average: 117.44 (in the set he lost)
• Checkout: Van Veen ‍- 170
• Final⁣ Score: Van⁤ Veen defeated ⁣Anderson to reach the final.