Luke Littler produced a stunning 4-1 victory over Raymond van Barneveld in their last-16 clash on Saturday night to keep his sensational run in the tournament going.
The 16-year-old clinched the first three sets of their World Championship match in a row after an impressive showing early on at Alexandra Palace.
He claimed the first set 3-1 as he hit a brilliant leg of 140, 140, 139, then T14 and tops to wrap up the set.
The crowd began chanting his name and, with that, came another stunning set from the youngster as swept past five-time World Champion 3-1 again.
Into the third set and Littler suffered his first wobble which van Barneveld countered upon, as he raced into a 2-1 lead.
Luke Littler booked his place in the World Darts Championship after victory on Saturday night
Littler stormed into an early lead against Raymond van Barneveld during their last-16 clash
Five-time World Darts Champion van Barneveld was left stunned by the 16-year-old
The 16-year-old, however, showed immense composure to overcome the deficit and turned it round to win the set in stunning fashion after hitting his fifth 180.
Van Barneveld did manage to win the fourth set 3-2 after a rare slip from the 16-year-old, who still managed to impress. Littler then wrapped up the match with a 3-2 victory in the final set.
Following the victory, the 16-year-old has secured himself £50,000 at the minimum, as he prepares to take on Brendan Dolan.
Speaking after the match, Littler said: ‘Unbelievable! My average has shown it, my double percentage has shown it – I don’t know what to say!
‘He [Van Barneveld] said ‘you can go all the way, I hope you can go all the way’. I said ‘thank you’ – he’s a true gentleman and I respect Raymond.
‘I fancy myself [to win the whole thing], I do fancy myself! Let’s just focus on Brendan.’
Prior to their match-up, Littler, who came through his third round clash with Matt Campbell to become the youngest player to reach the last 16 on Wednesday, spoke of his excitement at the prospect of facing the Dutch veteran.
‘Raymond would be unbelievable to play against,’ Little admitted, when asked who he would rather face.
‘Obviously the crowd have got to pick and choose who they want on their side, so I’d be happy to play Raymond, but Jim’s in good form as well.’
The teenager has shot to stardom in the last few weeks at Alexandra Palace, winning over fans and critics alike for his game.
Littler has shot to stardom in recent weeks after the impressing at Alexandra Palace
Littler has already revealed he plans to either go to Alton Towers or Blackpool with his friends at the end of the tournament, but he will be hoping to add to his prize further this weekend.
Van Barneveld shared his admiration for Littler after his win on Friday and contrasted his antics at 16 to the Warrington native’s.
‘I enjoy that boy. Really formidable,’ Van Barneveld said. ‘He’s 16 years old. When I was 16, I was still playing with Playmobil.
‘I have huge respect for that little guy and I can’t wait to play against him.’
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