“I am immortal” – Raymond van Barneveld’s self-confidence is high. In the generational duel, the 56-year-old will face Luke Littler, 40 years his junior.
Before the highly anticipated darts clash with Luke Littler, 40 years his junior, Raymond van Barneveld was in a talking mood. The Dutchman spoke to the press for almost an hour this Friday after his victory over Welshman Jim Williams in London.
Williams was hardly an issue, instead it was almost all about Littler as the next rival. Barney’s message was clear: I’m ready for the young boy. “I am one of the immortals in this sport,” the 56-year-old Dutchman proudly announced.
World champion for the last time in 2077
When van Barneveld won his fifth and last world title on January 1, 2007, Littler (16) was not yet born. This happened exactly 20 days after the memorable final between Barney and England legend Phil Taylor, who now advises Littler.
“When I was 16, I played with Lego and Playmobil,” said van Barneveld on Sky, “this guy is something completely different.” The bookmakers also think so, as they only trade Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands) and the Englishman Luke Humphries (plays against his compatriot Joe Cullen on Saturday) higher than Littler.
The upcoming round of 16 duel between young and old, which in terms of age could also be grandpa against grandson, is electrifying the World Cup at Alexandra Palace this Saturday (December 30, 2023, 9 p.m.).
Littler with a lot of respect for the “legend”
And the debutant Littler, who has been so strong so far, continues to fuel the anticipation of fans and experts. On Friday, the Englishman posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) of himself at the age of three imitating his then hero van Barneveld during his World Cup triumph in the Ally Pally. “13 years later I meet the legend himself and on the biggest stage in the world,” Littler wrote in the short video, in which he wore a Steven Gerrard England jersey.
All games in the round of 16 on Saturday:
Scott Williams (England) – Damon Heta (Australia)
Daryl Gurney (England) – Dave Chisnall (England)
Rob Cross (England) – Jonny Clayton (Wales)
Brendan Dolan (England) – Gary Anderson (Scotland)
Raymond van Barneveld (Netherlands) – Luke Littler (England)
Luke Humphries (England) – Joe Cullen (England)