Van Barneveld and Anderson out
World champion death continues – 16-year-old in the last 8
December 30, 2023, 10:43 p.m
The list of former world champions who have to give up early at the Darts World Cup is growing. After Peter Wright, Gerwyn Price and Michael Smith, Gary Anderson is also over. Then “The Nuke” strikes again and sends legend van Barneveld home
Teenage sensation Luke Littler has taken another step closer to the world title in London and has clearly defeated darts warrior Raymond van Barneveld. The 16-year-old Englishman, nicknamed “The Nuke” (The Atomic Bomb), clearly won the round of 16 4-1 and knocked the five-time champion out of the tournament. Previously, two-time world champion Gary Anderson had also lost his game. “The Flying Scotsman” lost 3:4 to Brendan Dolan. The Northern Irishman is becoming more and more of a favorite at Alexandra Palace in London. Just two days earlier he had defeated former Welsh champion Gerwyn Price. Dolan is now in the quarterfinals and can compete again on New Year’s Day.
For the 53-year-old Anderson, even a strong comeback after a false start wasn’t enough. The Scot was 0-2 sets down, then took the lead 3-2 and then lost the two remaining sets. Especially in the seventh set, veteran Anderson made too many mistakes. After his titles in 2015 and 2016, there is currently no further coronation.
A kebab after every victory
Debutant Littler, who is advised by legend Phil Taylor, showed no nervous weaknesses in the fourth World Cup game. The successes over Christian Kist (3:0), Andrew Gilding (3:1), Matt Campbell (4:1) and now the 56-year-old van Barneveld were all confident. As a reward after victories, Littler always treated himself to a kebab.
When van Barneveld became world champion for the last time on January 1, 2007, Littler was not yet born. Before the direct duel, England’s celebrated youngster posted a video in which he imitated his role model as a three-year-old. Littler wrote on The legend then had little chance at Alexandra Palace despite his own strong performance. In the round of the last eight on New Year’s Day, Littler will face Price and Anderson’s conqueror Dolan.
Previously, former champion Rob Cross had confidently reached the quarter-finals. Voltage, as the Englishman Cross is called, won the round of 16 duel against Jonny Clayton (Wales) 4-0 and is aiming for his second title after 2018. In the quarterfinals he will face Englishman Chris Dobey. He defeated defending champion Michael Smith