Raymond van Barneveld Send message to Luke Following legend’s elimination from the World Championships
Legendary slinger was unable to compete against the teenage prodigy in the final 16
The 56-year-old Barney was booed out of the event on Saturday night after the teenage prodigy upset him 4-1.
The Dutchman averaged 101.13 over the course of five sets of darts, so he wasn’t exactly playing poorly.
But Littler, who set aside his long-standing hero-worship for this seismic accomplishment, outclassed him.
When the two, who were 40 years apart, finally hugged, Barney expressed his hope that the 16-year-old Warrington boy would now push himself to the limit.
The five-time world champion was astounded by the amount of firepower his opponent on the oche was putting forth.
“I’ll take my hat off for him,” he declared. With respect. I thought I was up against a “dartbot” in this game.
“There was nothing at all that I could do about it. He was striking everything. I believe I wasn’t playing too badly, and I gave it my all.
It will take me some time to get over this. This was just crazy.
“It was the triple 19 if he didn’t hit the triple 20. I once missed two doubles, 16 for a crucial 71-finish that would have won the match. However, I didn’t see them.
But there was nothing I could do about his legs. He was too skilled.
“As I am no longer in the competition, I could care less who wins at this point. It aches and it’s over for me.
“Luke was superior, and he has my utmost regard.” I’m hoping for the best for him in the competition.
