Taylor believes Littler can break his incredible 16-world-title record

PHIL TAYLOR says Luke Littler is a “phenomenon” capable of breaking his 16-world-title record

The former world No1 has won the most major titles in the sport with a whopping 87 over a career that spanned three decades.

Taylor, 66, believes Littler has the ability to surpass some of his greatest achievements after watching his astonishing rise to the top of the sport.

The Nuke is attempting to achieve something even Taylor never managed by completing a clean sweep of all the PDC's premier events in a single season.

Littler has already won SIX Premier events this year and needs the World Series Finals, World Grand Prix, European Championship, Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship Finals to complete the unprecedented haul.

Taylor was first alerted to Littler’s talent by Target chairman Gary Plummer and now believes Littler could lift the Sid Waddell Trophy more times than he did.

He told Oche180: “I was first told Gary Plummer sponsored him. I was down Target and he said keep your eye out for this younger named Luke Littler.

“Never heard of him at the time. Even though he only lives 20 or 30 miles from me.

“I didn’t know who they were, honestly. Gary was right. He is a phenomenon. He really is that good.

“He is brilliant. If anybody can break my records, it is going to be him.

“If he wins 16 in a row, he has got to qualify for the next 14 years. Just to do that in itself is an achievement.

“Anybody that has been in a World Championship. I was in it 20-odd times and that is an achievement.

“Just to stay motivated. You need to be in the top five, really, to get a decent draw. So, he will do well.”

Taylor won NINE majors in a row between 2008 and 2009, a record Littler is now threatening after winning seven consecutive majors when the back end of 2025 is included.

The Stoke on Trent thrower also holds the record for 15 consecutive ranked majors, achieved between 2008 and 2010.

Taylor offered Littler some advice on handling the pressures that come with becoming the sport’s biggest star.

He added: “The only words of wisdom I say to youngsters when they first start is get two bank accounts.

“Make sure you put fifty per cent in one and fifty per cent in another. Tax is the big thing. If you don’t pay your tax, that is a pressure you don’t need.

“Secondly, once you become famous, then you have to learn to say no. You have to be a little bit selfish for your own.

“You need your rest and get plenty of sleep. If you are tired, you are not going to perform properly.

“So there are times where you have to upset people and say, ‘I’m sorry, but no, I have to get ready for this.’

“I was a bit of a yes boy and I would travel to do everything for everybody. It just makes you tired.

“I would say select what you are doing then.”

Phil Taylor is an ambassador for Target Darts.

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning