All eyes will be on the Alexandra Palace in London tomorrow night as Raymond van Barneveld will face 16-year-old Luke Littler for a place in the quarter-finals of the World Darts Championship.
The clash was confirmed this afternoon after van Barneveld, who is a five-time world champion, defeated Jim Williams from Wales on a 4-1 scoreline in the third round.
Littler has been on a majestic run through the tournament so far winning three games in seriously impressive fashion.
The teenager most recently saw off Canadian player Matt Campbell to book his place in the last 16 of the tournament and has made headlines worldwide.
Van Barneveld has revealed that up until this World Championships he had never seen Littler play before but he is certainly impressed by what his next opponent has produced to date on the sport's biggest stage.
Raymond van Barneveld showers Luke Littler with praise
Speaking to Sky Sports after this afternoon's win he revealed his admiration for Littler.
"When I was 16 I was playing with Lego!" 😅
Raymond van Barneveld 'can't wait' to face off against teenage sensation Luke Littler 🤝 pic.twitter.com/J3zx6ptZLZ— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 29, 2023
"When I was 16 I was playing with lego and playmobil, we didn't have internet or whatever," he said.
"This guy is amazing...he's a quality player, I can't wait to meet him tomorrow night.
"He will definetly get his tour card next year. He's an amazing player but I don't play players, I play the board.
"I'm not afraid of Michael van Gerwen, I'm not afraid of [Luke] Humphries, I'm not afraid of Phil Taylor so I'm not afraid of Luke Littler but to beat these guys you have to produce quality and that's what I've got to do."
"I don't play players, I play the board" 🎯
Raymond van Barneveld had nothing but praise for Luke Littler, but insists he 'isn't afraid" of facing the 16-year-old 👇 pic.twitter.com/ITo8r6uESi— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 29, 2023
Van Barneveld also suggested that he may wear ear plugs to block out the noise of the crowd tomorrow night, the majority of whom are likely to be supporting Littler.
Last year Gerwyn Price wore headphones when playing and was widely mocked by the crowd.
Gerwyn Price has returned from the break wearing a set of earphones to block out the crowd.
Incredible scenes 🤣pic.twitter.com/7GBS7B7WVW— SPORTbible (@sportbible) January 1, 2023
The Dutch player mentioned to Sky about the time he faced off against compatriot Jelle Klaasen in the 2006 BDO World Darts Championship final. Klaasen defeated him to become the youngest world champion at the time. On that occassion van Barneveld felt the entire crowd was against him.
"I need ear plugs, I have them with me," he laughed.
"You were there John [Part] as a commentator at Lakeside when I was playing Jelle Klaasen and the crowd was all backing Jelle because he was 21 years of age. The crowd with a 16-year-old...I need to protect myself tomorrow.
"Maybe I will wear them."
It would certainly be quiet something if van Barneveld did channel his inner Gerwyn Price and produce the headphones. It may not go down too well with the Alexandra Palace crowd.
SEE ALSO: Dolan Leaps To Defence Of Price After World Darts Championship Win
