31 December 2023 , 00:03
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Raymond van Barneveld told Luke Littler he can "go all the way" after the 16-year-old's sensational victory on Saturday night.
Littler hammered five-time world champion Van Barneveld 4-1 at the Alexandra Palace to reach the quarter-finals of the PDC World Championship. It was a remarkable performance by the teenager, who is 40 years younger than his Dutch opponent.
Littler described Van Barneveld as an "idol" before their meeting and the latter was graceful in defeat by offering the emerging star his full support. The veteran believes Littler can become champion of the world, with several big names already out of the tournament.
The lad from Runcorn was spotted speaking to Van Barneveld after their memorable clash. "He said at the end, you can go all the way," Littler said when asked by Sky Sports what the legendary star told him. "I said thank you. He is a true gentleman."
Littler will take on Brendan Dolan, who's already knocked out ex-champions Gerwyn Price and Gary Anderson at the Alexandra Palace, in the quarter-finals. If Littler beats Dolan, he will then face the winner of Chris Dobey's clash with Rob Cross.
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Big names have also exited on the other side of the draw. Unseeded Scott Williams will take on three-time champion Michael van Gerwen - who is the favourite to win the tournament - and Dave Chisnall will face fellow Englishman Luke Humphries.
Littler was sensational against the five-time world champion (Getty Images)Do you think Luke Littler will win the PDC World Championship? Let us know in the comments below!
Littler was asked whether he believes he can become champion of the world in the coming days. The PDC World Youth Champion replied: "No. I just looked at the draw, I've got Brendan Dolan next. I do fancy myself, but we have Brendan next."
Three-time world champion John Part certainly believes Littler can win. "He really is a great player," Part told Sky Sports. "I have to put aside that he is 16, that was a performance from any player where you say he can win the tournament if you play like that.
"He won easily, it was a great performance. Those are darts that win titles. In the longer format, against a great of the game averaging 100, Littler made him look insignificant. Raymond was chuckling, he handled it very well, he is a great of the sport. He will be heartbroken, it was a big chance for Ray - but it is a bigger chance for Luke."
Littler's match against Dolan takes place at the Ally Pally on New Year's Day. "I'll see my family and chill out," the youngster said when asked for his New Year's Eve plans.