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.

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