16-Year Dream Come True

After 16 long years, Luke Littler, the rising star of darts, will finally have the chance to face his idol, Raymond van Barneveld, in an epic showdown. Littler, who grew up in Warrington, has always looked up to the legendary Dutch player and hoped for this moment on the oche.

A Game of Generations

When Littler and van Barneveld meet in the last 16 of the PDC World Darts Championship, they will bridge a staggering age gap of 40 years. It's a clash that's reminiscent of other incredible matchups in sports history, like Seb Coe against Roger Bannister or Bobby Moore against Harry Kane.

The Prayers of a Young Fan

From a young age, Littler emulated his idol by throwing magnetic darts while wearing nappies. His admiration for van Barneveld grew as he witnessed the Dutchman claim his fifth world crown in 2007, just 20 days before Littler's own birth.

Van Barneveld Impressed by Littler's Talent

Van Barneveld, who secured his place in the last 16 by defeating Jim Williams, has expressed his excitement about the upcoming match. He sees a young Michael van Gerwen in Littler's playing style and acknowledges the teenager's success in the world youth championship. Van Barneveld believes Littler's performance in the tournament proves he has the skills of a seasoned pro.

A Clash of Styles and Emotions

The match between Littler and van Barneveld is set to be a fast-paced spectacle filled with excitement and emotion. Van Barneveld prefers playing against younger opponents who bring energy and passion to the game, as opposed to slow matches lacking emotion. The pressure will be on Littler, but he has shown that he can handle the spotlight.

Quarter-Final Spot and £50,000 Prize Awaits

Both players have their eyes on the prize, as a spot in the quarter-finals and a £50,000 paycheck are up for grabs. The winner will need to bring their A-game over the best of seven sets to claim victory and advance to the next round.

Van Barneveld's Confident Message

Van Barneveld, who is 40 years older than his young opponent, is known for his confidence and determination. He made it clear that he doesn't fear anyone, including the likes of Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor. To beat the best, van Barneveld believes he must produce quality darts - and that's exactly what he plans to do against Littler.

Artwork by: Tommy Teabag