Teenager Littler takes on Van Barneveld at PDC World Championship

1. Prodigy Littler seeks to create more history

   Luke Littler v Raymond van Barneveld

   Littler was not even born the last time Van Barneveld won a world championship in 2007.

   Although the Dutchman has not reached this stage of the competition since 2018, the contrasting experiences of the pair adds to the fairytale nature of their meeting.

   After discovering his opponent on Friday, following Van Barneveld's victory over Welshman Jim Williams, Littler posted a video on social media of himself as a youngster in his living room, arms outstretched, re-enacting his idol's celebration.

   Littler has been tipped as a darts prodigy for most of his life, saying he has been playing since he was 18 months old and has played on a full-sized board since he was four.

   His mum has also posted videos of him throwing darts at a magnetic board while he was still wearing nappies.

   His success has propelled him to overnight fame. Arsenal footballers Declan Rice and Aaron Ramsdale asked for a photograph with him in a hotel last week.

   

   Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

2. Apprentice vs Master

   Luke Littler v Raymond van Barneveld

   With an age gap of 40 years between them, Luke Littler and Raymond van Barneveld are set for one of the most intriguing contests of the PDC World Championship.

   Littler, 16, has gained attention by reaching the last 16 on his tournament debut having become the youngest player to ever win a match at the World Championship.

   During his first win, fans in the Alexandra Palace crowd greeted him with a chant of "you're going to school in the morning".

   And after each victory he has celebrated with his favourite fast food of either a kebab or KFC.

   Now he is preparing to take on one of his heroes - five-time world champion Van Barneveld, 56 - with the pair set to face off at around 20:45 GMT.

   It is time for the apprentice to take on the master.

   

   Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images

3. Hello!

   Luke Littler v Raymond van Barneveld

   Welcome to a surprise darts live text this evening, bringing you the round four meeting of teenage sensation Luke Littler and veteran former champion Raymond van Barneveld.

   It's a best of seven sets match, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake. Game on!