\n<\/p>\n
There is no doubt that Littler is in a position to reign supreme in the world of darts for years to come.<\/p>\n
But who, if anyone, might be able to stop him?<\/p>\n
Luke Humphries is often viewed as the most likely.<\/p>\n
But while the 2024 world champion is capable of reaching somewhere close to the level shown by Littler, the teenager has had his number of late, with convincing victories in the World Grand Prix and Grand Slam of Darts finals.<\/p>\n
Perhaps the man who so efficiently defeated Humphries in the quarter-finals at the World Championship, then?<\/p>\n
That 5-1 victory for Van Veen was one that simply could not be ignored and he backed it up with a stunning win over Gary Anderson in a classic semi-final.<\/p>\n
The 23-year-old’s run at Alexandra Palace, having previously not won a match at the tournament, comes on the back of a breakthrough year.<\/p>\n
Van Veen is a two-time World Youth champion, having lost to Littler in the 2023 final, and claimed his first major PDC title with victory at the European Championship in October.<\/p>\n
The confidence taken from that triumph has elevated his game even further and now he is one win away from becoming the third Dutchman to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy.<\/p>\n
Van Veen has looked every bit the potential champion over the past few weeks, consistently averaging in excess of 100 and finishing nervelessly on the biggest stage.<\/p>\n
It is a far cry from his previous struggles with dartitis – a condition which prevents a player from releasing their darts.<\/p>\n
“I remember three or four years ago I was in Barnsley at the Metrodome struggling with dartitis and crying at a table,” Van Veen told Sky Sports after beating Anderson.<\/p>\n
“Now look at me four years later. It’s all been worth it. It’s all been worth it because here we are – unbelievable.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n