Raymond van Barneveld has been dumped out of the World Darts Championship in the second round by Nick Kenny after losing at Alexandra Palace on Saturday night.
The Dutchman previously won the competition in 2007 but has struggled for consistency in recent years.
Van Barneveld and Kenny played out a classic on Saturday night.
And it was the Welshman who came out on top, with Kenny winning 3-1 to advance to the third round of the competition and setting up a tie with Luke Humphries in the process.
Darts star Nick Kenny has beaten Raymond van Barneveld at the World Darts Championship
SKY
The darts star was visibly emotional in the immediate moments after his win.
He celebrated wildly before breaking down in tears as those in attendance applauded him.
Van Barneveld sportingly congratulated Kenny on his triumph, with the veteran seen saying ‘good game’ to his opponent.
It took Kenny nine match darts to secure victory, with the 31-year-old eventually hitting a double four to consign his rival to defeat.
The next match on Saturday night features Luke Littler, who made the final of the same competition earlier in the year.
He has enjoyed a stunning rise to prominence in the time since, winning the Grand Slam of Darts and Premier League to establish himself as one of the best players in the world.
Littler will start his bid for glory with a showdown with Ryan Meikle at Ally Pally.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Nick Kenny will face Luke Humphries after beating Raymond van Barneveld at the World Darts Championship
PA
And the 17-year-old, speaking to Sky Sports, has fond memories of his first year on the pro tour.
“I only remember bits and pieces from last year. I remember the Christian Kist game very well but not anything from Matt Campbell and Brendan Dolan games,” he said.
“I’ve grown a lot over the last 12 months.
Raymond van Barneveld was dumped out of the World Darts Championship on Saturday night
PA
“Both of us Lukes have won the last two tournaments going into the Worlds.
“I’ve got most of the Man United squad and David Beckham now following me, I’ve been asking for months.
“He must’ve seen Sports Personality of the Year and decided to give me a follow.”
+ There are no comments
Add yours