"I'm only three wins away now" - Luke Littler daring to dream after latest sensational performance sees him into World Championship quarterfinals
PDCSunday, 31 December 2023 at 10:00
Luke Littler continues to take the darting world by storm. Averaging over 105, the sensational 16-year-old dispatched Raymond van Barneveld 4-1 on Saturday night, to reach the World Darts Championship quarterfinals.
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"To beat one of my idols on the biggest stage of them all – it’s incredible. I still can’t believe it now,” reflected Littler post-match. “Raymond said to me at the end: ‘I hope you go all the way and after the performance you’ve just put in, you can go all the way.’"
Although Littler wasn't even born when van Barneveld claimed the fifth of his World Championship titles in 2007, the darting wonderkid has grown up idolising the legendary Dutchman. “It is an incredible feeling. My cover shooting was unbelievable, my doubles got me over the line, and I think I am daring to dream now.”
In the last 8, Littler faces Brendan Dolan after the Irishman backed up his upset of Gerwyn Price with victory over Gary Anderson. "The thought of becoming the world champion always gives me goosebumps. I've won three world youth titles and this is the biggest one of them all. I'm only three wins away now."
"I wasn't expecting Gary or Gezzy to go out. I would have loved to meet one of them in the quarters, but it's not to be and me Brendan have deserved to get to this stage."
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Kieran WoodDarts Journalist
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He contributes to DartsNews.com, where he covers professional darts through news, match reports, analysis, and live coverage across the PDC calendar and major tournaments.
A key part of his work is on-site reporting from leading events. Kieran has covered the PDC World Darts Championship in person, reporting daily from the venue and providing first-hand insight from the tournament. During his coverage, he has conducted interviews with leading players including Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Gerwyn Price.
He is also one of the leading voices of the English-language Dartsnews Podcast, contributing regular analysis and discussion on developments across the professional darts circuit.
In his reporting, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles when new, verified information becomes available.
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- He's admitted his mistakes. He won't be the first or last player to get sent down,or take drugs. I honestly didn't like the lad,but at least he's owning up to his issues. So,good luck. In whatever he decides to dorick6702-07-2026
- Not everyone wants to watch pub players throwing 70 averages for about £500. Premier League is indeed a cash cow, but it does its job of promoting the game. This new suggestion for changes is one of the better ones. Even better if everyone knew what they had to do to qualify and it isn't just a walk-on popularity contest.StraightArrowNoBull01-07-2026
- I have a suggestion,scrap the whole thing. It's a pointless cash cow for anyone in the top 10.rick6730-06-2026
- Well nobody made him bet!! It's his own fault,if wants to lose money,then he shouldn't call Gerwyn out! He averaged 103,I would think the losing betting idiot could average 40! If you don't want to risk losing,keep your money in your pocket!rick6728-06-2026
- A great female line up this year, it would be nice to see Gemma win, but Beau is too good. Although the most important lady is missing....Lorraine Winstanley! You can't have a major tournament with out Lorraine Winstanley!! My dream is to see Lorraine hit a nine darter, run off the stage and out of the building with Dean.richieburnettrocks25-06-2026
- Laura looking fantastic and obviously has a hidden talent as a dart player. It was so nice to see her shock and joy of hitting that triple 20 I miss Laura, she was excellent and very knowledgeable regarding darts. Can you imagine that dozy wooden air head Emma Paton from SKY being able to do that, she'd hold the dart the wrong way round.richieburnettrocks25-06-2026
- Otherwise known as The Fishmedinabello24-06-2026
- No disrespect... but when folks are as good as Littler, they only play in the events that mean something... not the small events. MVG and Humpheries do the same.MrYnyslas197123-06-2026
- Read this Mr littler,and I hope you don't suffer as smith has. Still,now you pick when you want to play. I think the ££££s have kicked inrick6722-06-2026
- I understand that the darts diary is packed, but people do actually pay to watch. I suppose that the prize money,or title,is enough anymore. I actually feel sorry for the players who get called up as replacements,call me stupid,but if you're not considered good enough initially,then why compete?rick6720-06-2026
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