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Raymond van Barneveld Loses to Luke Littler in World Darts Championship

2026-06-23 · Raymond van Barneveld · Match Report

Raymond van Barneveld was defeated by Luke Littler 4-1 in the World Darts Championship last-16. The 16-year-old Littler made history as the youngest player to reach the quarter-finals.

What happened in the match?

Littler showed maturity and talent beyond his years, peppering the treble 20 nine times. He finished with an emphatic average of 105.01, outplaying the five-time world champion.

Why did Luke Littler win?

Littler's stunning performance included a strong start, leaving Van Barneveld struggling to catch up. The young player's experience watching Van Barneveld on TV as a child likely helped his strategy.

What's next for Raymond van Barneveld?

Van Barneveld's loss to Littler marks a surprising exit from the tournament. The five-time world champion will have to regroup and plan for his next move. Van Barneveld has been a dominant force in darts, but this loss shows he's beatable. The World Darts Championship continues with other top players competing for the title. Brendan Dolan also won his match against Gary Anderson 4-3, reaching the quarter-finals. Luke Humphries defeated Joe Cullen 4-3 in a sudden death leg, advancing to the next round. The tournament at Alexandra Palace has seen several upsets, with young players making a statement. As of December 30, 2023, the World Darts Championship has reached its quarter-final stage.

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