'The biggest win of my life' - Cwmbran's Kenny stuns 'Barney' at Ally Pally
CWMBRAN’S Nick Kenny enjoyed one of the biggest nights of his career when dumping Raymond van Barneveld out of the World Darts Championship.
Kenny, ranked 76th, stunned the five-time world champion 3-1 to set up a third-round meeting with Luke Humphries.
The 32-year-old wasn’t at his best but still stunned the Dutch great to ensure he will return to Alexandra Palace after Christmas.
“It’s surreal, there’s a bit more to it, I have kept my tour card, I believe,” said Kenny, who will attempt to stop Humphries defending his crown.
“It was an absolute privilege to play Raymond van Barneveld on such a stage, he wasn’t at his best but who cares really?
“It is the biggest win of my life by far, it gives me another two years on tour. There was a lot more riding on it personally, I can really move on and really sort myself out.”
A tearful Luke Littler came within millimetres of a nine-dart finish as he beat Ryan Meikle in record-breaking fashion.
The teenage sensation was back on the Alexandra Palace stage 12 months on from his remarkable debut run to the final and showed everyone why he is the favourite to win the title this year.
Littler was a breath away from darting perfection when he missed a double 12 but threw a stunning 140.91 average in the final set to win 3-1.
That is the record for the highest average in a single set at the World Championship as the 17-year-old continues to break barriers.
He is favourite for this year’s tournament after a stunning year, which has seen him win 10 PDC titles, including the Premier League and Grand Slam of Darts.
He started slowly but burst into life at the back end of the match, sealing the set in just 32 darts, including that agonising nine-darter attempt.
“It was the toughest game I have played, but as a player you have got to get over the line,” Littler said.
“It was good to be back, and get on the stage, nervous, I had to find it somewhere. I know I have got it.
“As soon as the question came on stage and then boom, the tears came. It was just a bit too much to speak on stage. It is the worst game I have played, I have never felt anything like that.”
