Gian van Veen asks for help ahead of New Zealand Darts Masters with bags stuck in Paris
Gian van Veen arrives in Auckland for New Zealand Darts Masters - but bags stuck in Europe; Dutchman asks Qatar Airways for help as he prepares for World Series event at the weekend; Van Veen has just leapfrogged Luke Humphries as world No 2
Tuesday 11 August 2026 12:05, UK
Gian van Veen has taken to social media to ask for help with his bags stuck in Paris ahead of the New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland this weekend.
Van Veen, runner-up to Luke Littler in the 2026 World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, has already arrived in Auckland for the event - but his gear has not.
The Dutchman, who has just usurped Luke Humphries as world No 2, wrote on X, tagging Qatar Airways' support page: "I am already in Auckland, but our bags are still at Paris CDG… I will need them before this weekend's World Series tournament. Is there anyone who can help me get them here ASAP?"
Qatar Airways replied to Van Veen, apologising for the mishandled baggage and asking him to contact them directly for further assistance.
Van Veen, the winner of the European Championship in 2025 and a two-time World Youth champion, will be joined by Gerwyn Price, Stephen Bunting, James Wade, Jonny Clayton, Josh Rock, Ross Smith and Damon Heta in Auckland.
The local players involved include Simon Whitlock, Jonny Tata and Haupai Puha.
This is the fifth of six regular World Series events in 2026, with Michael van Gerwen (Bahrain Masters and Nordic Masters), Littler (Saudi Arabia Masters) and Humphries (US Masters) winning the first four between them.
The Australian Masters later this month is then followed by the World Series Finals in Amsterdam from September 17-20, an event won last year by Van Gerwen as he beat Littler 11-7 in the final.
Darts returns to Sky Sports with the BoyleSports World Grand Prix live from September 28 to October 4, where Luke Littler will be out to defend the title. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.
