Despite early exits, Littler remains top of the table, while Van Veen – still recovering after missing the 7pm clash in Dublin because he required surgery to remove a kidney stone – remains fifth.
The match was a repeat of January’s World Championship final and the dramatic ending only adds to the feeling that there could be quite a rivalry between this exciting young pair over the next few years.
Former player Wayne Mardle said on Sky Sports, “Luke Littler was happy that Gian van Veen went inside the 15 and he ‘did good’ to Simon Whitlock and you shouldn’t do that.”
“As soon as he did that, Gian turned around and said ‘Why did you do that?’
“You have to say Gian handled it better because Luke Littler broke his lines and got very aggressive in the double seven. Gian handled it really well.
“(Littler) didn’t expect to get caught. He got caught with his hand in the cookie jar and he won’t do it again.”
Three-time world champion John Part, speaking on Sky Sports, said: “I don’t think either player was too much at fault. The end of the match could have been quite heated.”
“Gyan handled himself more appropriately in a lot of ways. Luke might have handled it a little better.”
