Darts results: Raymond van Barneveld sets up Luke Littler showdown at the PDC World Darts Championship

The 56-year-old, who won his only PDC world crown a few days before Littler was born in January 2007, beat Jim Williams 4-1 to cruise into the fourth round where the 16-year-old sensation awaits on Saturday.

Williams squandered five darts to win a scrappy opening set and Van Barneveld capitalised to open his account, only for the Welshman to snatch a second set decider to level proceedings at one set apiece.

The 56-year-old responded by reeling off eight consecutive legs to move to the brink of victory, before defying a late wobble to progress to the fourth round for the first time since 2017/2018.

“I never played my A-game, but I am so happy to be through,” said Van Barneveld, who will now take on an opponent 40 years his junior in a battle of the generations.

“I know what Jim is capable of. He beat James Wade last year, Peter Wright this year, so I was warned, but he missed some crucial doubles today."

Van Barneveld's victory in the PDC World Championship came in January 2007 - 20 days before Littler was even born - and the Dutchman added: “I cannot wait to play Luke tomorrow night.

"When I was 16, I was playing with Lego and Playmobil! This kid is amazing. He is quality, and I am so looking forward to that game.”

MVG batters Bunting

Michael van Gerwen laid down a serious warning to his rivals by thrashing the in-form Stephen Bunting 4-0 to storm into the quarter-finals.

Many fancied the Bullet to give MVG a real scare but the Dutchman held his nerve to win the opening two sets in deciding legs before running away with the next two by 3-1 scorelines.

Van Gerwen finished up with a 99.80 average compared to Bunting's 94.84.

“I’m happy with my performance,” declared the Dutch supremo.

“We all know Stephen Bunting was playing phenomenal darts, so I wanted to bring my A-game. I wasn’t at my best, but I think in patches I did the right things at the right moments.

“I can do a lot better, but there’s still a long way to go. The fighting spirit is there, and I’m feeling good, I’m feeling comfortable.”

WIN A PADDY POWER DART BOARD ON OUR INSTAGRAM PAGE! CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

Defending champion beaten

Michael Smith's reign as world champion is over after Chris Dobey produced his third 100+ average in a row to defeat him 4-0.

Hollywood's average of 102.43 was slightly less than Bully Boy's 102.47 while only managed two of the six 180s in the match - but he only dropped four legs to advance.

“I didn’t even feel comfortable up there tonight,” claimed Dobey.

“Michael is a great lad. I’ve got all the time in the world for him, but there could only be one winner and I’m pleased it was my night.

“I don’t think anybody underestimates me; they know what I can do. I’ve been pretty consistent in this competition, and I’m going all out. I want to be the champion.”

READ OUR WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP GUIDE

Our free guide to the 2024 Paddy Power World Darts Championship is out now and includes expert insight, stats-based player profiles, the complete draw bracket, our best bets and more.

Anderson has strong words for media

Gary Anderson set up a fourth-round meeting with Brendan Dolan as he came from behind to defeat Boris Krcmar 4-1 - but it was his post-match quotes about the media attention on Luke Littler that hit the headlines.

The Flying Scotsman lost the deciding leg of the opening set to a brilliant 161 checkout from the Croatia but only dropped a further three legs and averaged 99.29.

Afterwards he was critical about the media's focus on Luke Littler, saying: "We had another youngster called Josh Rock that all you press destroyed. So if it ever goes tits up with Luke, then give yourself a pat on the back. That's the way it's going. Let the boy play darts.

"Today he's had cameras, zoom calls, Sky meetings. He's had a great tournament but what happens if it goes Pete Tong now. You guys have ruined it. Just like Josh Rock, fantastic player but you guys have set him back.

"You have no idea how many young dart players we see coming through the system with people saying 'this is going to be the next best thing'. Pressure goes on them, all goes Pete Tong, where are they now? Go back the last 10 years tell me when all those youngsters are now?"

Heat finally comes to the boil

In Friday’s opener, Damon Heta won through a rollercoaster seven-set clash against Berry van Peer, in a contest featuring 24 maximums.

Van Peer – buoyed by a 142 checkout in the early exchanges – raced into a two-set lead before Heta hit back, winning nine of the next 12 legs to move to the cusp of a fine comeback victory.

The Dutchman halted Heta’s charge with a clutch 108 checkout followed by an 11-darter to set up a deciding set, only for the Australian number one to follow up a 114 kill with a spectacular 151 match-winning outshot.

Elsewhere, Jonny Clayton came through a hard-fought encounter against Krzysztof Ratajski to set up an enticing last 16 tussle against 2018 champion Rob Cross.

Clayton started strongly to establish a two-set cushion, before punishing missed doubles from Ratajski at crucial junctures to prevail with a 91 average and five maximums.

WATCH: HOW TO BECOME A DARTS PROFESSIONAL

Leading pundit and former major winner Paul Nicholson joins host Dom Newton and Sporting Life's darts expert Chris Hammer to discuss the 'darting pyramid', the importance of averages, how to crack Q School and other factors such as choosing sponsors, nicknames and walk-on music.

World Darts Championship 2024: Friday results & Saturday schedule

Friday December 29
Afternoon Session (12.30pm GMT)
Third Round (Best of 7 sets)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Darts

Damon Heta 4-3 Berry van Peer
Jonny Clayton 4-2 Krzysztof Ratajski
Jim Williams 1-4 Raymond van Barneveld

Evening Session (7pm GMT)
Third/Fourth Round (Best of 7 sets)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Darts

Boris Krcmar 1-4 Gary Anderson (R3)
Michael van Gerwen 4-0 Stephen Bunting (R4)
Michael Smith v Chris Dobey

Saturday December 30
Afternoon Session (12.30pm GMT)
Fourth Round (Best of 7 sets)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Darts

Scott Williams v Damon Heta (R4)
Daryl Gurney v Dave Chisnall (R4)
Rob Cross v Jonny Clayton (R4)

Evening Session (7pm GMT)
Fourth Round (Best of 7 sets)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Darts

Brendan Dolan v Gary Anderson (R4)
Raymond van Barneveld v Luke Littler (R4)
Luke Humphries v Joe Cullen (R4)