Littler set for electrifying showdown with Van Veen in first rematch since PDC final thriller

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by RTE, click this post to read the original article.

If you’ve been following the Saudi Arabia Masters, you’ll know that Luke Littler and Gian van Veen are set for a highly anticipated rematch after both players advanced to the quarter-finals with convincing victories. Littler, who just turned 19, once again faced veteran Paul Lim — a player more than 50 years his senior — and repeated his previous 6-1 win from Bahrain. Despite not hitting any 180s and averaging 89.33, Littler comfortably secured the win and will now face Van Veen, whom he previously beat 7-1 at Alexandra Palace during the PDC World Championship final.

Van Veen, enjoying a strong breakout season, advanced with a 6-2 win over Motomu Sakai of Japan. He’s riding high after his European Championship win in October and an impressive run to the World Championship final. You can sense that he’s eager for revenge against Littler in their next encounter, but remains focused, saying he’ll enjoy his current win before turning his attention to the rematch.

Other big names also progressed with ease. Gerwyn Price swept Alexis Toylo without dropping a leg, setting up a clash with Luke Humphries, who comfortably beat Ryusei Azemoto 6-2. Michael van Gerwen, Stephen Bunting, and Nathan Aspinall all recorded 6-1 victories against less experienced opponents, showing their consistent form in the competition.

However, not all top players made it through. Danny Noppert suffered a surprising 6-3 loss to Hong Kong’s Man Lok Leung, marking one of the tournament’s few upsets so far. As the action intensifies, the stage is set for another dramatic showdown between Littler and Van Veen, with both players determined to come out on top.