Luke Littler admits he ‘fears the worst’ ahead of an Amsterdam clash against ‘idol’ Raymond van Barneveld, who called him out for ignoring his text messages earlier this year

Luke Littler admitted that he’s ‘fearing the worst’ ahead of facing his ‘idol’ Raymond van Barneveld in Amsterdam. 

The 17-year-old secured a thrilling 6-5 win over Ross Smith in his World Series Finals opener on Friday night. Littler, the top seed, averaged 103.3 as he claimed a win on his debut in the competition. 

Victory has set up a clash against legendary Dutch player Van Barneveld, who Littler beat on his fairytale run to the final of the World Championships last year. 

The youngster expects Saturday’s match-up to be a different experience to their meeting nine months ago and he admitted that he’s fearing the worst. 

‘Tonight was pretty wild and that was two Englishman against each other,’ he said. ‘But I am ready and fear the worst. If anything is better then I’ll take it. Me and Raymond will both be confident, I know I am.

However, the Dutch veteran had some choice words for the teenager after a couple of perceived slights

‘The World Championship was a crazy experience and beating one of my old idols in Raymond. But Saturday night will be different, he’ll have the crowd on his side.

‘Worse case is I’ll have to switch on the gears like I did tonight. I’ll have to make a good start and get right into it.’

A meeting against one of his former idols would be expected to be a rather cordial affair but the fixture has the potential to be something of a grudge match following comments from the veteran about Littler earlier this year. 

Van Barneveld blasted the teenager for a series of perceived slights, including giving him the cold shoulder and ignoring text messages. 

‘I understood then that I am his example. That at the World Championship you don’t chat I can understand, but other tournaments…. The other day I walked up to him to shake his hand.’ The 57-year-old said in March. 

‘Then he took out his earplug for a moment and only said the most necessary thing.’

Littler beat Van Barneveld on his remarkable run to the World Championship final last year

On ignoring his messages, he added: ‘To that he responded: “yes, I only respond to text messages. Whatsapp I’m actually not on.” Well fine, I sent a text message: congratulations with Wieze.’

‘And then nothing. Fine. Then I’m also a bit done with it. The next time I get asked if I want to do something for him, I’ll pass.

‘I understand that you get thousands of text messages but of course I’m not just anyone. If I’ve been your inspiration for years, I also expect a text message back.’

While laughing, Van Barneveld said: ‘Dude’s on his phone all day, f*** off!’