Raymond van Barneveld 'doesn't give a damn' after being asked who can stop Luke Littler at the World Darts Championship.
The Dutchman lost 4-1 at Alexandra Palace on Saturday night as his opponent claimed yet another major scalp.
Littler has been the talk of the competition so far, with the 16-year-old enjoying a stunning rise to prominence.
He currently looks unstoppable, with the teenager dreaming of going all the way.
Raymond van Barneveld has opened up after his defeat to Luke Littler at the World Darts Championship
PA
Van Barneveld showed his class by hailing Littler after his win at the WDC.
But the Dutchman also admitted he 'doesn't give a damn' when asked who can stop the teenager from securing glory.
"I don't give a damn about that," he told ViaPlay.
"This is a hard one for me.
"I saw chances, especially after Gary's elimination against Brendan, but it's over for me.
"Tonight I have to take on this young kid and I wish him the best of luck."
Van Barneveld also dubbed Littler a 'darts robot' - having been taken aback by the quality and ruthlessness of his opponent.
"It looks like you are throwing against a darts robot," the 56-year-old conceded.
"There was absolutely no honor in this.
"I didn't throw that bad at all, but this is not normal. Incredible."
Littler admitted he was reeling from his win - and was grateful for Van Barneveld's complimentary comments, having grown up idolising the darts icon.
"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'.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
- Luke Littler sends classy message to Raymond van Barneveld after pulsating World Darts Championship win
- Michael Schumacher update as wife's rules for visitors revealed amid F1 icon's health battle
- Tennis match delayed for nearly an hour after killer snake slithers onto court and comes close to ballkids
Raymond van Barneveld hailed Luke Littler after his defeat at the World Darts Championship
PA
"He’s a true gentleman, Raymond, and I respect him very well."
When quizzed on whether 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.
Raymond van Barneveld had no answer to Luke Littler at the World Darts Championship on Saturday night
GETTY
"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."
