The Alexandra Palace stage will play host to a clash of generations tonight, as 16-year-old Luke Littler locks horns with 56-year-old Raymond van Barneveld in the last 16 of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship.
Van Barneveld is one of four former champions left in the event, and Littler was remarkably born 20 days after the five-time World Champion celebrated his epic sudden-death victory over Phil Taylor in 2007.
Littler has been playing darts since he was 18-months old, and ahead of his clash against the Dutch icon, a video surfaced on social media depicting a three-year-old Littler imitating Van Barneveld’s iconic celebration in his living room.
The Dutchman has watched Litter’s performances in the capital with interest, and has heaped praise on the Winmau World Youth Champion ahead of their showdown.
“If I want to watch darts, then I want to see a guy like him [Luke Littler],” insisted Van Barneveld, featuring in his 31st World Championship.
“I like fast, I like fluency, I like finishing, I like big celebrations. He’s a character, he’s the World Youth Champion and I’ve got great respect for him.
“I was sitting in a restaurant watching his first round game and I was thinking ‘Wow, this guy’s unstoppable’. He looks like a really young Michael van Gerwen.
“But hey, I’m still there; I’m a troublemaker trust me. If I do well and if I can play a really good game, then I’m tough to beat.”
Cheshire-born Littler defeated former Lakeside Champion Christian Kist and current UK Open champion Andrew Gilding in his mesmerising run, before dumping out Canadian number one Matt Campbell in round three.
Littler has captivated audiences around the world with his performances on the big stage, but is unsure of the reception when he faces the ever-popular legend.
“It will be unbelievable to play Raymond,” admitted Littler – the youngest ever player to progress to the last 16 at the World Darts Championship.
“The crowd have got to pick and choose who they want on their side, but I’ll be happy to play Raymond.
“When I was on my walk-on, people were asking me to sign my stuff; my own shirts and darts!
“When I looked over to the crowd when I walked on stage, I was like wow this is unbelievable.”
Van Barneveld also reflected on the potential reception inside Ally Pally, and while he will hope to generate the support of the Barney Army, he is wary of playing the pantomime villain.
“I’ve been here for many, many years in this game,” added Van Barneveld, who is aiming to reach the quarter-finals of the sport’s flagship event for the first time in six years.
“We had the Queen of the Palace [with Fallon Sherrock], now it’s the Prince of the Palace.
“I’m hoping to stop the Prince tomorrow and if not, I will still have an amazing time.
“I played Jelle Klaasen in the final of Lakeside and the whole crowd was against me because this was a young guy, and he took the world by storm, but I learned from that.”
The Dutch dartist came through a gruelling encounter against Jim Williams on Friday, which was blighted by missed doubles from the Welshman.
Van Barneveld will be looking to reproduce his near ton-topping average from his opener against Radek Szaganski, which also saw him register 19 140s.
Meanwhile, Littler believes his A-game - showcased in his blistering display against Kist - could propel him to one of the most incredible World Championship triumphs of all time.
“Like people say, I could do a Rob Cross on debut,” claimed Littler, who will meet Gary Anderson or Brendan Dolan if he topples Van Barneveld.
“If my A-game is there, then I possibly could win this World Championship.
“I just wanted to win my first game. I’ve already overachieved, so anything else is a bonus for myself.”
2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship
Evening Session (1930 GMT)
3x Fourth Round
Brendan Dolan v Gary Anderson
Raymond van Barneveld v Luke Littler
Luke Humphries v Joe Cullen