Luke Littler has labelled Raymond van Barneveld 'a true gentleman' after his stirring win at the World Darts Championship on Saturday night.
The 16-year-old has been the talk of Alexandra Palace so far.
He went into the showdown with his idol having already seen off Christian Kirst, Andrew Gilding and Matt Campbell.
Yet the teenager secured his biggest scalp yet by putting Van Barneveld, his childhood hero, to the sword.
Luke Littler destroyed Raymond van Barneveld at the World Darts Championship on Saturday night
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Littler was outstanding and won 4-1 to make the quarter-finals of the prestigious competition.
He is just three victories away from etching his name into folklore and becoming the youngest champion in the tournament's history.
And Littler has now praised his beaten opponent, dubbing him a 'true gentleman' as he secured victory.
"Unbelievable. I just… I dunno what to say," he said.
"I went 2-0 up, I went 3-0 up, then I said to my family, 'Three legs away and I’m over the line.'
"And… I’ve done it.
"At the end he said, 'You can go all the way, I hope you go all the way' and he said 'thank you'.
"He’s a true gentleman, Raymond, and I respect him very well."
When asked if he'd pictured himself lifting the trophy, Littler added: "No.
"I just looked at the draw and saw Brendan [Dolan], then either Chris Dobey, who has the same management, or Rob Cross.
"I fancy myself, I do fancy myself.
"It’d be good if Chris and I could have a ZXF semi-final, but let’s just focus on Brendan.
"The crowd were unbelievable. They were singing Walking in a Littler Wonderland and Barney Army; they were on both our sides.
"I’m just so glad to get over the line. After I do all the media, I’ll see my family and chill out for a bit."
Littler is now guaranteed a £50,000 pay-out following his exploits in the capital.
And he's been left stunned by the biggest win of his career.
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Luke Littler is close to making World Darts Championship history after his win over Raymond van Barneveld
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"It is unbelievable, 13 years ago I was doing his celebration throwing on my little board and I have just beaten him on the biggest stage."
As for Litter's father, Anthony, he's incredibly proud of his son and the way he's performed so far.
"I can't believe it. He just beat a legend. I don't know what to say," he said.
"He used to watch Barney when he was three and he's just beat him - it's crazy!
"On his day he could do [go all the way]. He's got a good a chance as anyone."
Luke Littler grew up idolising Raymond van Barneveld prior to his World Darts Championship win
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Littler is next in action on New Year's Day.
He will go up against Brendan Dolan, with Chris Dobey and Rob Cross locking horns in the other quarter-final clash.
