#459: Gian van Veen, Glen Durrant, World Matchplay Preview Special

Alex Moss and Burton DeWitt are back with a new episode of your go-to darts podcast ahead of the World Matchplay.   The boys kick off the show with a look ahead to this year's World Matchplay, and discuss if Luke Littler should be the favourite, before picking which of the four first-round sessions they are most looking forward to in Blackpool.   The reigning European champion Gian van Veen (18:37) calls in ahead of playing in his third World Matchplay this weekend. The world number three reflects on a whirlwind last 12 months on the oche, winning his first major title at the European Championship, becoming only the second two-time PDC world youth champion and reaching the PDC World Darts Championship final. Gian also opens up on the lifestyle changes he has had to make after being diagnosed with kidney stones earlier this year, the support he has behind the scenes and reveals which airport was his favourite to visit during his first season in the Premier League.   Alex and Burton continue their World Matchplay preview by giving their thoughts on the four debutants in this year's field, before making their predictions for who they think will be lifting the Phil Taylor Trophy a week on Sunday.   PDC commentator Glen Durrant (51:00) also joins the show to look ahead to the start of the World Matchplay. The former World Matchplay semi finalist gives his thoughts on this year's tournament, as well as revealing why he is back on the Trilogy Nightclub line up in Blackpool next week. Glen also talks about his recent decision to step away from his role as a director with the PDPA, being part of ITV's new-look broadcast team for their PDC events, and much more.   The boys wrap up the show with a look ahead to the Women's World Matchplay next week and discuss who are the biggest threats to the top seed Beau Greaves in her bid for a third title in Blackpool. *** Get your own Alex Moss replica shirt (as worn by our co-host at the Las Vegas Open 2026) from DJD here! A % of the profits will be donated to The Ethan King Fund for Ewing Sarcoma Research *** This podcast is brought to you in association with Darts Corner - the number one online darts retailer! Darts Corner offers the widest selection of darts products from over 30 different manufacturers.  This podcast is sponsored by Darts Atlas - the platform for darts players, venues, and organisations. Darts Atlas is the home of the Amateur Darts Circuit (ADC) with hundreds of tournaments held on the platform every week.  Have you used Darts Atlas before? Share your feedback and experiences with Darts Atlas with us by sending an email to [email protected] and be in with a chance of winning some new logo Weekly Dartscast stickers! Check out Condor Darts here: UK site *** Enjoy our podcast? Make a one-off donation on our new Ko-Fi page here: ko-fi.com/weeklydartscast Support us on Patreon from just $2(+VAT): patreon.com/WeeklyDartscast Thank you to our Patreon members: Phil Moss, Gordon Skinner, Connor Ellis