Gian van Veen has indicated he is ready to “bury the hatchet” with Luke Littler following their recent Manchester spat, yet he remains firm on his view of his rival’s behaviour.
The two players had a heated exchange during their Premier League quarter-final two weeks ago, when Littler seemingly celebrated Van Veen missing a match dart, then gestured for him to return to the oche.
The incident concluded with a frosty handshake and subsequent social media comments, but Littler, denying he celebrated the missed dart, stated in an interview this week it was time to move on.
Van Veen remains steadfast in his opinion of Littler’s conduct, which he previously labelled “childish”, though he holds no hard feelings towards the world champion.
When questioned about clearing the air, Van Veen responded: “It’s a difficult one. Like for myself, not really. He said his piece the other day.
“I still have the same view as I had two weeks ago when it all happened and if he wants to bury the hatchet then fine.
“I don’t have any hard feelings towards him and I don’t know how it is the other way around but we’ll see how it goes.
“He’s got his opinion and he’s entitled to it. I still have mine, I still have the same opinion as I had two weeks ago, straight after the incident happened.
“I’ve looked back at it, I’ve seen the videos and I still stand by my opinion and you know, it is what it is and we’ll just have to go forward with it.”
The rivalry could be reignited in the semi-final of Thursday’s Premier League event in Rotterdam, where Van Veen would benefit from home advantage.
The 23-year-old envisions a potential future friendship with Littler and hopes the two can compete against each other again soon.
Asked whether they could be friends, he said: “For sure. Like I said, there’s no hard feeling from my side.
“It’s all happening in the heat of the moment and of course, you know, he’s got his opinion, I’ve got mine but yeah, that’s how it goes.”
The two-week-long spat has been a significant talking point, especially as some critics suggest top darts players are often too amicable. Van Veen believes a degree of ‘needle’ can be beneficial for the sport – provided he isn’t directly involved.
“I enjoy it but only if I’m not involved. I think that’s the best for me. I think it’s good for the sport to have a bit of needle here and there but you never want to be involved.”
Van Veen must defeat Luke Humphries in his quarter-final to set up a tie with Littler, who opens against Gerwyn Price.
Home favourite Michael van Gerwen faces Jonny Clayton, while Josh Rock takes on Stephen Bunting in other fixtures.
