Luke Littler continued his superb run on World Championship debut (Picture: Getty Images)
Luke Littler admits that he is now daring to dream of becoming world champion after downing Raymond van Barneveld on a classic night of World Darts Championship action.
The 16-year-old continued his romp through the field on debut in the event with a 4-1 victory over the five-time world champ and legend of the sport.
The teenager has dropped just three sets in four matches and averaged over 105 in his latest stunning victory to set up a quarter-final clash with Brendan Dolan.
Asked if he is now dreaming of becoming world champion on 3 January, he said: ‘I think I am now. I’ve seen the draw. I’ve got the same manager as Chris Dobey, so it would be good if one of us could get over the line for our sponsor.
‘I weren’t expecting Gary [Anderson] or Gezzy [Price] to go out, I’d have loved to meet one of them in the quarters but it’s not to be and me and Brendan have deserved to get to this stage.
‘With performances like that I think I could [be champion], but it’s whatever happens on the stage on the day. I’ve just got to chill out, have a practice and loosen the arm up ready for my next game.’
On being favourite in his quarter-final contest, he added: ‘It is what it is. My performances will probably put me as the favourite, but it’s whatever happens on New Year’s Day.’
Raymond van Barneveld was thoroughly impressed with his teenage opponent (Picture: Getty Images)
Littler faces Dolan after the Northern Irishman stunned Gary Anderson 4-3 earlier on Saturday, to follow up a brilliant win over Gerwyn Price in the previous round.
The standout contest of the evening, though, was the final match of the night as Luke Humphries came through an epic against Joe Cullen, winning 4-3 in a deciding leg.
The dramatic battle saw Humphries average just over and Cullen just under the 99 mark which went all the way to the deciding leg in the deciding set after both had already missed match darts.
Humphries got over the line to book a quarter-final spot against Dave Chisnall but admitted he felt sorry for his good pal Cullen after the classic struggle.
‘That was one of the best games I’ve been a part of myself,’ said Cool Hand. ‘I feel so sorry for Joe, because every time I looked round it was treble after treble.
‘Sometimes in darts there doesn’t deserve to be a loser and I don’t think Joe deserved to lose that game. But I just can’t lose sometimes. I never give up and I feel like that’s what allows me to keep going.
Luke Humphries edged out Joe Cullen on an unforgettable night of darts (Picture: Getty Images)
‘What a game of dars that was, it’s great to be involved in, of course I’m really happy I won, but I love Joe to pieces, I’m really gutted for him. He was so unlucky, I thought it was a great game.’
World Darts Championship schedule
Monday 1 January
12.30pm
Chris Dobey vs Rob Cross
Luke Littler vs Brendan Dolan
7pm
Michael van Gerwen vs Scott Williams
Luke Humphries vs Dave Chisnall
MORE : Luke Littler hammers Raymond van Barneveld to reach World Darts Championship quarter-finals
MORE : Raymond van Barneveld buzzing for Luke Littler challenge at World Darts Championship
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A stunning evening of arrows.