Raymond van Barneveld appeared to be stunned by the impressive form of darts’ teenage sensation Luke Littler. After the Brit took a 2-0 lead, the all-time great was left with no choice but to raise his eyebrows at the impressive performance being put on by Littler.
Littler has been the story of the PDC World Championship, and his fairytale breakout story has continued. The 16-year-old has not allowed his nerves to get the better of him at Ally Pally, and he has the support of the crowd once again.
Even Van Barneveld appeared to be taken aback by his opponent, with his actions after going 2-0 down to Littler speaking volumes about his opponent. After throwing back to back 140s followed by a 139, the teenager took the first set in style with a double 14, double 20.
Though the opening set was no fluke, as Littler continued to fire at a knots. With a two-set lead at stake, the 16-year-old hit a 180 – replicated by Van Barneveld – to leave himself with two darts at tops to take the set, and he made no mistake.
After continuing to throw after the first set, Littler decided to leave the stage after the second set – cracking a smile at his family before pumping his fist in a sign that he is not fazed by facing a player that won a World Championship before he was even born.
Van Barneveld, in contrast, looked like his opponent was starting to get under his skin. After Littler’s tops, the 56-year-old raised his eyebrows and appeared to shrug as he turned to recuperate.
