Van Veen Returns to Premier League Darts After Surgery

Gian van Veen is set to make his return to the Premier League Darts on Thursday night in Berlin after undergoing surgery for kidney stones that sidelined him last week. The 23-year-old Dutchman, who finished as runner-up in the recent PDC World Darts Championship, will face Gerwyn Price in the quarterfinals at the Uber Arena, marking a highly anticipated rematch in their ongoing rivalry.

Van Veen missed Night 7 in Dublin and a European Tour event in Belgium due to the sudden onset of kidney stones, which required a medical procedure and several days in the hospital. He has been managing his recovery carefully, noting persistent fatigue but expressing determination to compete. "It feels good to say that I am in Berlin and I am planning to play tomorrow night," Van Veen posted on Instagram, adding that his energy levels remain lower than hoped but that he is practicing daily to rebuild his strength. "Berlin is the goal. Walking out onto that Premier League stage and making my comeback at the oche is what is driving me through every session."

The absence has impacted his standings, dropping him to sixth place, three points behind Price in third. Only the top four players advance to...