"Everyone knows I don't like the Pro Tours with no fans" - Luke Littler thrives in hostile Amsterdam atmosphere to defeat Van Barneveld at 2024 World Series of Darts Finals

It was a highly anticipated match and the clash between Luke Littler and Raymond van Barneveld did not disappoint. On the contrary, both men treated the spectators to a great game of darts. In the end, the 17-year-old Englishman was narrowly beaten 6-4 by his 40-year-old idol. Littler now faces his compatriot Chris Dobey in the quarter-finals of the 2024 World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam.

Littler impressed again in AFAS Live, finishing with an average of 102.24. Van Barneveld ended just under the 100 mark and certainly did not make it easy for 'The Nuke'. "I'm just very pleased to get over the line against Raymond and the incredible fans," Littler reflected afterwards in conversation with Online Darts. "Nothing bad to say about them. The crowd really jeered me on and I had to play my best game. Raymond put me under pressure a few time but I took my shots."

Despite the hostile atmosphere, the loud crowd seems to bring out the best in Littler. "On the TV, in front of the lights, as everyone knows I don't like the Pro Tours which is behind closed doors with no fans," Littler admits. "So when I do get on a stage I enjoy it and most of the time I do win!"

Littler will now take on Chris Dobey in the quarterfinals this Sunday afternoon, who in turn, was too strong for the Croatian Boris Krcmar in the second round, winning through 6-4. "Obviously, me and Chris, we've got the same management. We'll sit together, we have a laugh ans I'm sure it'll be the same tomorrow (Sunday ed.)," Littler previews. "We'll both practice as much as we can!"

The winner of the duel between Littler and Dobey will take on the winner of the match between Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen in the semifinals on Sunday night. So a possible replay of the past World Championship and Premier League Darts finals between Littler and Humphries is still possible.