Luke Littler compared to 3 darts heroes by Raymond van Barneveld ahead of clash

30 December 2023 , 19:27

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Luke Littler is enjoying a dream run at the PDC World Championship (Image: Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Raymond van Barneveld insisted he isn't afraid of facing Luke Littler on the oche - just like he's not afraid of Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries.

Five-time world darts champion Van Barneveld, 56, will take on teenage sensational Littler, 16, in the last 16 of the PDC World Championship on Saturday evening. The contest is quite staggering, as Van Barneveld won his fifth title before Littler was even born.

Many are backing Littler to beat his veteran opponent at the Alexandra Palace and go all the way to the final, with the two big favourites - Van Gerwen and Humphries - in the other side of the draw. Yet Van Barneveld isn't worried about the youngster.

While speaking about Littler before Saturday's match, Van Barneveld referenced retired 16-time world champion Taylor, three-time world champion Van Gerwen and pre-tournament favourite Humphries. He's also called Littler "something else".

"When I was 16 I was playing with Lego and Playmobil - this guy is something else," said Van Barneveld after his previous win. "I'd never watched him before (this tournament). I've warmed to this guy - he's on another level. I can't wait to play Luke. He will definitely get his tour card next year. He's an amazing player.

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"But I don't play the player, I play the board. I'm not afraid of Michael van Gerwen, I'm not afraid of Humphries, I'm not afraid of Phil Taylor and I'm not afraid of Luke Littler. But to beat these guys you have to produce quality - and that's what I'm going to do."

Raymond van Barneveld is determined to stop Littler's remarkable run (Getty Images)

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Littler has also expressed his excitement at facing Van Barneveld. The teenager spoke about the prospect of taking on the five-time world champion after beating Matt Campbell in the last 32. Van Barneveld's place in the last 16 hadn't been confirmed yet.

Littler said: "Raymond would be unbelievable to play against. Obviously the crowd have got to pick and choose who they want on their side.

"Raymond is a true hero of the game - I'd love to play Raymond. I spoke to him in the hotel, and him and Michael van Gerwen said, 'Keep your head up, keep focused'."

Once Van Barneveld had defeated Jim Williams in the last 32, Littler shared a video of himself imitating Van Barneveld's trademark celebration when he was a toddler. The emerging superstar wrote on X: "(When I was) three years old I used to imitate Raymond when he won the PDC world championship in 2007 - 13 years later I get to play the legend himself in the last 16 on the biggest stage of them all."

Tom Blow