Luke Littler reveals Raymond van Barneveld's private message after stunning win, it's the ultimate compliment

Luke Littler has revealed what Raymond van Barneveld told him privately after the 16-year-old pulled off a stunning victory over the darting veteran on Saturday night.

Five-time champion Van Barneveld, who is 40 years Littler's senior, was seen as the youngster's biggest test of the World Darts Championship thus far after three impressive victories.

But Littler averaged 103 in the first set, breaking the Dutchman's throw to win it by three legs to one.

He then pulled a 3-0 lead, absorbing all the pressure that was placed on him by the Alexandra Palace crowd and turning it into rhythmic darts.

Van Barneveld took a set back to keep himself in the contest, but Littler never looked like dropping a second as he held his throw to win the match 4-1.

The former world youth champion will now take on Brendan Dolan, who squeezed past Gary Anderson in a dramatic last 16 clash earlier on in the night.

The incredible story therefore continues for Warrington-born Littler, who has already won four matches and earned himself £50,000 so far at Ally Pally.

And speaking after the match, Littler revealed what Van Barneveld told him during their post-match embrace.

He told Sky Sports: "He said at the end, 'You can go all the way'.

"I said thank you. He is a true gentleman."

WHAT A PERFORMANCE

Luke Littler knocks out his idol Raymond van Barneveld 🎯 pic.twitter.com/HSy5JWBH3O

— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 30, 2023

Before his clash against 'Barney' was announced, Littler said that he and the Dutchman had a brief chat, alongside fellow Dutch star Michael van Gerwen - with the 16-year-old's game already possessing some hallmarks of the latter.

"Raymond is a true hero of the game," he said. "I'd love to play Raymond.

"I spoke to him in the hotel, and him and Michael van Gerwen said, 'Keep your head up, keep focused'."

Despite all the pressure he has been under so far, Littler has certainly stayed 100 per cent focused as soon as he steps on the oche - and he's not getting too far ahead of himself just yet.

He said: "I need to get off and do all the media, but after I've done that I'll go and see my family and just chill out now [before my next match]."