Luke Littler has left a lasting impression on Michael van Gerwen, but the three-time world champion feels the teenage darts sensation will be 'demolished' in the next round.
The 16-year-old's dream run at Alexandra Palace continued on Wednesday evening as he comfortably beat Matt Campbell 4-1.
Littler had already recorded impressive wins over Christian Kist and UK Open champion Andrew Gilding.
Campbell was expected to provide a tougher test as the Canadian star had knocked out James Wade in the previous round.
Luke Littler's toughest test may come next
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But Littler made light work of the match, averaging over 97 as he made it through to the last-16.
The teenager's section opened up as well after Gerwyn Price was knocked out by Brendan Dolan.
His performances have caught the attention of some of the top players in the draw with Van Gerwen praising the young star's displays.
But the Dutchman rejected the notion that Littler was better than him at the same age.
And Van Gerwen believes Raymond van Barneveld, who could face Littler next, will "demolish" the youngster.
"Fantastic guy," Van Gerwen said of Littler.
"He has something like: I have shit on the rest. You need that too if you want to be good in this sport."
"I think in terms of talent he is a little less good than me, but I like to see it.
"The sport needs that too. You have people retiring and new people coming up so I hope Raymond Van Barneveld wins over Jim Williams because I'm looking forward to the clash between them.
"Although I think Barney will demolish him then. He has too many qualities and too much experience."
Luke Littler defeated Matt Campbell 4-1
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Van Barneveld is looking forward to a possible clash against Littler, but the 2007 PDC world champion doesn't want to look past a tricky test against Jim Williams just yet.
''I enjoy that boy. Really formidable,'' Van Barneveld said.
''He's 16 years old. When I was 16, I was still playing with Playmobil [laughs].
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"I have huge respect for that little guy and I can't wait to play against him."
He added: ''I don't underestimate Jim Williams at all and I don't think it's respectful to Jim Williams if we only talk about Luke Littler.
"Of course I know that I will possibly get Littler, but Jim is a fantastic player so I don't want to look beyond that yet.''
