Anderson backs Littler after crowd backlash and hails his impact on darts

GARY ANDERSON says Luke Littler has “ripped the game of darts apart” and hailed the teenager for bringing a new generation into the sport.

The world No10 has faced some of the biggest names in the sport during a career spanning more than three decades.

But Anderson, 55, believes Taylor’s record of 16 World Championship titles and remarkable longevity makes him the greatest of all time.

Littler has already become the sport’s first £3million player after winning 14 major titles before his 20th birthday.

Ando defended Littler after he was subjected to jeers and whistles from fans in recent weeks, insisting the The Nuke deserves to be appreciated for what he has achieved.

He said: “I’ve always said I have been honoured. I have played the greats. I have played [Phil] Taylor, Van Gerwen, Luke Humphries before young Luke Littler took over.

“Now you’ve got young Luke. I’ve had the pleasure to play them. I don’t think I’ve beat Littler yet.

“I’ve come close but I’ve not done him yet. But I've done the other boys. We had a conversation the other night about what is going on with young Luke and it’s not good.

“You’re getting the chance to watch a boy that is a phenomenon. He’s a young lad that has turned up and ripped the game of darts apart.

“And he’s brought all the youngsters into darts. So, all your manufacturers and dartboard sellers they should be thanking him as well because if it wasn’t for him we would be back five years ago.”

Anderson was then asked to pick the toughest player from the legends he has shared the stage with.

He added: “I’m still going to say Taylor for now. The two Lukes. Michael [van Gerwen] when he was on it very similar to Luke Littler.

“A young Michael and a young Luke they would have had some cracking games. I’m going to say Taylor now cause of the longevity that he’s done.

“He’s played for about well, TV was in black and white when he started. I’m a big fan of Luke Littler.

“I’m chuffed with what he has done for the game. So many youngsters. Like I said the other night when I done the exhibition. It was full of youngsters.

“It’s great to see. It’s great for the game.”