Luke Littler, 16, destroys idol Raymond van Barneveld to reach quarter-finals of World Darts Championship and bank £50k

Luke Littler's fairytale continues after seeing off his childhood hero Raymond van Barneveld at the PDC Darts World Championship.

The 16-year-old looked up to the Dutch star during his introduction to the sport but got one over on his hero by beating him 4-1 in the last 16 clash at Alexandra Palace.

Van Barneveld — who is 40 years older than the British starlet — won the world championship back in 2007 — 20 days before Littler was born.

But now the teenager has banked £50,000 for the win and looks like a genuine contender to defy the odds and go all the way in the World Championship.

Littler got off to an electric start after winning the first leg with 14 darts, before going on to secure the first set it lightning quick time.

Van Barneveld put up a fight in the second set as well, however Littler remained composed to go two sets up.

Moving into the third set, Littler showed his first signs of blinking when the former world champion upped his game and went ahead, but despite being two darts from winning the set, it was Littler overcame a minor blip to take the third set.

Barney came out fighting in the fourth set to deny Littler a clear run at the victory, instead claiming it over five legs to make it 3-1.

The fifth set was just as even, but Littler kept his composure to see out the win and progress to the World Championship quarter finals with an average of 105.01.

Speaking after his win, Littler was seen exchanging words with Van Barneveld, with the 16-year-old explaining exactly what was said.

SENSATIONAL LITTLER DOES IT AGAIN!!!