Luke Littler loses Premier League opener to debutant Gian van Veen

6 Feb 2026 • 4:24 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Debutant Gian van Veen upset world champion Luke Littler on the opening night of the BetMGM Premier League season, winning 6-4 in Newcastle.

In a rematch of this year’s World Championship final – where Littler emerged victorious – the Dutchman battled to victory over the world number one in the first match of this year’s tournament.

A cagey final leg saw Van Veen miss double six as he looked to wrap up the match before Littler attempted a 95 checkout, but fell just short.

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The Dutchman then held his nerve to seal his spot in the semi-finals, where he will face Jonny Clayton later on this evening.