LITTLER SET TO FACE TAYLOR

By Aaron Nijjar 

DARTS fans have been sent into a frenzy after a cryptic post on social media hinted that Luke Littler will take on Phil Taylor.  

On Friday, Target Darts – who sponsor both Littler and Taylor – posted a video with the caption: ‘For the first time ever. The Power vs The Nuke. Coming soon…’  

The video on X showed both ‘The Nuke’ and ‘The Power’ as they appeared to face-off – although it remains unclear whether they were in the room together.  

During the video, captions on screen suggested that the ‘two champions’ will go ‘head-to-head’ for ‘the first time ever’. 

There has been no explicit confirmation that it will be a darts match and not some kind of promotional campaign yet.  

Taylor previously said he would only take on Littler in an exhibition match under two very specific conditions.  

The 16-time World champion wants to play just one leg of 301 and he wants to take to the board first. 

He said: “No [I don’t want to play him]. Not yet, I don’t want to play him to be quite honest with you! 

“I’d play him in an exhibition, yeah. One leg of 301, I go first!”  

Meanwhile Littler had suggested that a match was somewhat inevitable, telling Sportbible it would be “incredible” to play with Taylor. 

The teen sensation said: “I’m sure that will happen soon. Sooner rather than later. 

“To share the stage with him will be incredible. I’m sure we’ll make it happen. 

“If Taylor does start practicing, then it will be tough, but if he just sits at home and then comes to an exhibition then I fancy my chances.”  

Littler has already been eyeing Taylor’s records, with the Warrington thrower tipped to be one of the greatest to ever do it if he maintains his level throughout a lengthy career. 

Speaking after his first ever World Championship win in January, Littler said: “I’ve said previously, if I can win every major title in my career then I’ll be happy. 

“I’d like to add on the world titles, and deep down, if I want to break the record of Phil Taylor, I’ve got the ability to. If I want it, I’m sure I can do it.” 

But he has a long way to go to topple Taylor off his perch. 

Taylor has won 15 more World Championships, 16 more World Matchplay titles, 11 more World Grand Prix titles, five more UK Opens and five more Premier Leagues – to name a few. 

However, the 18-year-old is already catching up with his counterpart in terms of cash. 

Despite Taylor playing darts for over 30 years, his reported net worth of around £5.5m will likely be eclipsed by Littler. 

Littler has already raked in over £1.5m after just over a year on the scene. 

Image by Taylor Lanning.