Daniel Matthews
Updated on: October 11, 2024 6:49 pm GMT
Seventeen-year-old Luke Littler made headlines by defeating Dutch veteran Raymond van Barneveld 6-4 in the second round of the World Series of Darts Finals, advancing to the quarter-finals scheduled for Sunday. The match, held in Amsterdam, showcased Littler’s remarkable talent, particularly as he faced the crowd’s mixed reactions during the game.
Match Highlights and Player Performances
Littler, who is in his debut professional season, established an early advantage by racing to a 3-1 lead against the 57-year-old Van Barneveld. However, the more experienced Dutch player made several attempts to close the gap, reducing Littler’s lead to a single leg on three occasions before the young star sealed the match with an impressive 86 checkout in the tenth leg. This win sets up a quarter-final clash against fellow Englishman Chris Dobey, who triumphed over Croatia’s Boris Krcmar by the same scoreline of 6-4.
Other Quarter-Finalists
The competition continues to heat up as several other players also secured their spots for the last eight. World champion Luke Humphries emerged victorious against Australia’s Damon Heta in a closely contested 6-5 match. Humphries will face defending champion Michael van Gerwen in what promises to be an exciting match, with Van Gerwen having defeated Danny Noppert 6-3 while showcasing an impressive average of 106.17.
England’s Rob Cross also had a dramatic match against Dutch player Kevin Doets. After trailing 5-3, Cross capitalized on missed match darts from Doets and pulled off a comeback victory 6-5, including a remarkable 161 checkout. Similarly, Michael Smith faced a precarious situation against Wessel Nijman, who missed multiple darts for the win before Smith advanced.
Player Reactions and Expectations
Following his win, Littler expressed his feelings about the mixed reception from the crowd, which included both boos and jeers. Despite the hostility, he remained focused on his performance and goals. Van Barneveld, competing in a high-stakes environment, reflected on the experience, acknowledging the intensity of contrasting support from the audience.
Littler stated, “I’ve been working hard to get to this level, and every match is a learning experience for me.” He is one of the youngest players in the professional circuit and aims to continue making strides in this prestigious tournament.
Upcoming Matches
The quarter-finals, scheduled for Sunday afternoon, promise to bring further excitement and intense competition. Some of the key matches to watch include:
- Luke Littler vs. Chris Dobey
- Luke Humphries vs. Michael van Gerwen
- Daryl Gurney vs. Peter Wright
- Rob Cross vs. Michael Smith
These matches will determine the semi-final lineup, which will culminate in an exciting finale in the evening session.
Conclusion
The World Series of Darts Finals is exciting for everyone watching! The players are working hard to improve their game and win. Fans can’t wait to see if the young star, Littler, can keep up his great play against the experienced Dobey this Sunday. Many talented players are competing for the championship title, making the journey to the final even more thrilling!
