Ian Mitchelmore
BBC Sport Wales at Utilita Arena, Newcastle

Image source, PA Media

Gian van Veen was highly complimentary of Luke Littler at yesterday's media launch.

"I think Luke Littler is still going to be on top of the world in five or 10 years," the Dutchman said.

"He's not unstoppable, but he's not shown too much signs of being stoppable."

Well Gian, you certainly found a way tonight. A fine performance from the debutant.

Dan Dawson
Commentator on Sky Sports

Image source, PA Media

That is a statement result for Gian van Veen. It is his first Premier League win and he's knocked Luke Littler out.

The numbers from both Luke Littler and Gian van Veen were quite the drop from tonight's opening match.

Littler actually led in the scoring, averaging 96.98 to Van Veen's 95.55.

The doubles were costly for the world number one, taking four of his 12 darts on the doubles.

Van Veen was more prolific with six finishes from 14 attempts.

Ian Mitchelmore
BBC Sport Wales at Utilita Arena, Newcastle

Gian van Veen had just turned eight years of age when Phil Taylor became the first man in history to hit two nine-darters in a single match when beating James Wade in the 2010 Premier League final.

It was a moment that got the Dutchman hooked.

"In 2010 when Phil Taylor hit the two nine-darters, I remember screaming on the couch because it was a beautiful game," he said.

For any youngsters watching the action in Newcastle tonight, take note of Van Veen's rise.

Talent, hard work and humility can go a long way.

Image source, Getty Images

Against the throw, Gian van Veen pummels in a 180 to command a very important leg. The Giant then follows in with a 140.

Back for a go at 81 for a huge victory, the treble 19 is plush but the double 12 attempted finish is so low. The dart at double six is wide.

For 95, Luke Littler gets one dart at double five to take it out, but is low and splits it.

Van Veen comes back for double six and lands it in one.

That is a huge win for the Premier League debutant.

The scoring from both men has been significantly lower than that of Jonny Clayton and Josh Rock in that last match.

Back on Gian van Veen's throw, the Giant earns six darts at 164 for a hold of throw. The first three take 132 to leave a go at double 16.

Coming back for it, the Giant splits the 16s and 8s, but pins double four to move a leg away from a big victory.

Mark Webster
Former BDO world champion on Sky Sports

Image source, PA Media

Gian van Veen knows this is a huge opportunity to beat Luke Littler with him averaging less than 100.

Misses on the trebles for both calm proceedings down.

Gian van Veen has a go at 170 and Luke Littler attempts 101. Both are no good.

Back for 49, Van Veen goes 17, double 16. Two excellent darts.

Van Veen breaks back and lets out a "come on" shout. 4-4.

Ian Mitchelmore
BBC Sport Wales at Utilita Arena, Newcastle

Image source, PA Media

Another six perfects darts... more boos from the crowd.

A fine effort from Luke Littler there who emulated Jonny Clayton in getting two-thirds of the way to a perfect leg.

The crowd are absolutely hooked to this contest. It's truly gripping stuff.

Here we go. Six perfect darts from Luke Littler!

Dart seven is 20 and here come the sarcastic boos, but the third visit of this leg from him leave 50.

10, tops.

In 11 darts, Littler earns the first break of throw in this match.

Image source, PA Media

A good run against the throw from Gian van Veen.

180 and 140 leave a go at 124 for a break, but the Giant can only leave 32.

A miss at 116 from Littler invites Van Veen back for a visit to break throw.

Van Veen gets three darts at the 16s and is low on them all. Littler pins tops for 3-3.

Mark Webster
Former BDO world champion on Sky Sports

It is key that Gian van Veen takes chances and he is doing that. He's won two of his legs in six visits. When he's getting chances in a scrappy leg, he's taking them.

Image source, PA Media

The fifth leg has a flatter feel to it, but a 140 against the darts from Luke Littler buys him six at 161 for a break of throw.

The first visit only takes 62 off the total and as he comes back for 99, Van Veen waits on 74.

Littler goes for the double double with the remaining 80 and misses both double 20 attempts.

Van Veen pounces, holding throw at the 16s.

Another good response from Luke Littler, who starts the fourth leg with visits of 180, 140 and 100 to leave 81 for a hold of throw.

He gets one dart at tops but splits the 20s, with Gian van Veen unable to get 170 going.

Down at the 10s, Littler misses his first two attempts by a smidge, but squeezes the third in for 2-2.

Mark Webster
Former BDO world champion on Sky Sports

I always say it is tough to pick a top four on the opening night every season, but this year it really is.

You feel Luke Littler and Luke Humphries will be there but then the other players, if they go on a run for a few weeks, they can book their place.

You would expect to see this match a number of times across the next 17 weeks. These two are among the favourites for the whole season.

On his throw, Gian van Veen gets a go at 160 but only takes 100 from it.

For a break, Littler gets a visit at 50 but misses at double 20 and the 10s.

Van Veen comes back for the remaining 67 and pins the 16s for a lead.

Luke Littler gets his first leg on his throw of the season and a 180 from the Nuke buys him a full visit at 28.

The first two attempts are fractionally wide, but the third lands in the bed for a level match.

Mark Webster
Former BDO world champion on Sky Sports

I genuinely think the Premier League is made for Gian van Veen and I fully expect him to get to the play-offs.

World number three Gian van Veen's first throw on a Premier League stage is a 180.

His second is a 140 and world number one Luke Littler knows he is in for a ride tonight.

After nine darts, Van Veen is on 129 and will get at least six darts at it.

The first three leave a visit at at 32 and after misses both sides of double 16, pins the eights for a hold.

Ian Mitchelmore
BBC Sport Wales at Utilita Arena, Newcastle

I mentioned Josh Rock's walk-on song earlier on, and I have to say, Gian van Veen's music is a welcome addition to the Premier League, as is he of course.

Watching a packed crowd of dancing Geordies rave to Astronomia by Tony Igy and Vicetone was a sight to behold!