Taylor warns Littler may need to practise more to break his 16-world-title record

PHIL TAYLOR believes his haul of 16 world titles can be beaten but questioned whether Luke Littler will need to practice more.

The former world No1 won a record 87 major titles during his legendary darts career.

Taylor, 66, hung up his arrows after losing 7-2 to Rob Cross at the 2018 World Championship final.

Littler is already the THIRD most successful player in the sport at just 19 as he bids to win all 11 Premier events this season after claiming the first six.

Taylir insists there is no reason why his tally cannot eventually be surpassed but says dedication will ultimately determine whether Littler can maintain his remarkable level.

He told Scotty on the Oche: “Yeah, of course it’s possible. If I’ve done it, anybody can do it. I wouldn’t say anybody can do it.

“Are they dedicated enough? I don’t know really because I don’t live with them. I don’t know what they are like.

“If young Luke is coming in and doing half an hour practice, he’s playing brilliant.

“Whether that will last, I don’t know. Maybe in the future he might have to top it up a bit more.

“You have to work out what suits you. That’s what he’s done. Luke Humphries is a completely different player.

“Luke used to sit at our table when we were playing and I know he did a couple of hours practice.”

Taylor also reflected on one of his favourite memories from his glittering career.

He added: “A few really, there were hundreds. First World Championship. News of the World. Hitting the first nine-darter and giving Stan the dartboard because he was crying.

“That was probably one of my favourite moments because he was paralysed. He is dead now, bless his heart.

“I signed the dartboard, gave him my darts and just to see his face, he was so overwhelmed just with a set of darts as well.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning