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LUKE LITTLER seemed calm as anything during his walkout to face Raymond van Barneveld in the World Series of Darts.
The teen sensation even managed to stop and play a game of Noughts and Crosses with a fan in the crowd on his way to the Oche.
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So it seems surprising that he would say he was “overwhelmed” to beat idol Van Barneveld on his home soil.
The 17-year-old dumped the Dutch star 6-4 in the World Series Finals in Amsterdam.
Littler was worried about getting fan backlash against legendary Barney but he broke his rival early to take control of the clash with a quality 102 average.
He said: “You are up against a Dutch guy in Holland, it’s always massive to beat them.
“I’m just overwhelmed to get over the line. The crowd were very good whenever I tried to go ahead. There’s nothing negative to say about them.”
His nonchalant pre-match game of Noughts and Crosses was further proof – as if we needed any – that this steely minded kid is the real deal.
And perhaps it’s those interactions with darts fans that are earning him the respect from the crowd when he’s at the oche.
Littler added: “Raymond kept hitting 180, 140, so it put pressure on my finishing. But I’m just glad to take the shots and get over the line.
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“It made me step my game up even more. I think I hit a 105 average.
“As soon as I broke Ray’s throw and got two legs ahead, I just thought hold my throw and I’ll win.
“I just say to myself it’s never over until it’s over. I’ve learnt you’ve just got to keep going and don’t show any emotion of being down, fight to the end.”
Littler now faces stablemate Chris Dobey in the quarter-finals on Sunday afternoon as he chases a third World Series win.
He added: “Just an early wake up tomorrow. I’ll be fine and it should be another good game.
“I’ve just got to find my A-game, find all the ability that I’ve got and try and pick up more prize money to get me further up the rankings.
“The big majors are coming round quick so I’ve got to manage myself and balance it.”
Luke Humphries is also into the last eight after beating Damon Heta 6-5.
Inside Littler’s massive rise
LUKE LITTLER has taken the darts world by storm since exploding onto the scene at the PDC World Championship at the beginning of the year.
