DARTS LEGEND BELIEVES TAYLOR CANNOT COMPETE WITH LETHAL LUKES

LEGEND Bobby George believes prime Phil Taylor couldn’t compete with the new generation stars like Luke Littler and Luke Humphries at the oche. 

16-time world champion Taylor is widely regarded as the greatest darts player of all time. 

‘The Power’ racked up 87 major titles from the 1990s through till 2017 in his stellar career. 

However, George reckons Taylor’s dominance belonged to a weaker era where there was less competition. 

He said: “He was a good player in tournaments obviously because he won a lot.

“But I think Phil was in a time where he could win a lot because the standard was not high then. 

“He practiced, mind you, and put himself out. 

“Phil is a front runner. He can hit everything when he’s in front. 

“But when he gets behind, he goes — because they didn’t hit him heavy enough back then.” 

Former Lakeside finalist George admits world No.1 Humphries and teen sensation Littler are battling in a far tougher era, where the standard is higher and the quality across the board is relentless. 

‘The King of Bling’ still respects Taylor’s incredible legacy but says he would struggle in the modern game. 

He added: “He was a great dart player and Taylor was a guy for pumping the dartboard.  

“I’ve got to give him credit — hours and hours of practice. 

“He was dedicated. That’s why he won a lot of tournaments. 

“But the equipment, the training, the level — it’s all changed now. 

“It’s easy to say but I don’t think he really can compete with the guys of today because they are too good now.  

“They are too consistent and playing each other all the time.” 

The Lethal Lukes return to action this Saturday and represent England at the World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt as they look to defend the crown.  

Image by Taylor Lanning.