Why was the Ally Pally dartboard changed during the World Championship final?

The dartboard was changed because Gian van Veen accidentally smeared blood on it after cutting his finger backstage.

What happened to Gian van Veen's finger at the World Darts Championship?

Gian van Veen cut his left pinky finger on a door backstage and it bled onto the dartboard.

When is Gian van Veen expected to be world number three?

Gian van Veen is expected to become the new world number three in 2026.

Home / Sports / Blood on the Board: Van Veen's Unique Ally Pally Injury!

Blood on the Board: Van Veen's Unique Ally Pally Injury!

4 Jan

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Summary

Gian van Veen's finger injury caused blood on the dartboard.
The World Championship final was briefly paused to change the board.
Van Veen looks forward to 2026, becoming world number three.

Blood on the Board: Van Veen's Unique Ally Pally Injury!

The World Darts Championship final experienced a unique pause when blood was detected on the dartboard. Gian van Veen revealed he accidentally cut his finger on a door backstage, leading to blood smearing on the board's segments. Referee George Noble promptly requested a new dartboard, causing a brief interruption and confusion for opponent Luke Littler.

Van Veen explained the incident during his post-match press conference, detailing how his left pinky was injured and subsequently made contact with the board. Although the match proceeded after the board change, Luke Littler ultimately defeated Van Veen 7-1 to claim the championship title.

Looking ahead, Van Veen expressed optimism for his future, anticipating a rise to world number three and a debut spot in the Premier League in 2026. He described 2025 as the best year of his career and is eager to continue his success in the upcoming seasons.