TAYLOR TIPS LITTLER FOR ASTONISHING FEAT
06/03/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
By Aaron Nijjar
PHIL TAYLOR tipped Luke Littler to average 120 in a major final on the day he became king of the lobby in Parliament.
The 16-time World champion is now a standard-bearer for net-zero and energy efficiency.
‘The Power’ is working with MPs to promote heat-saving thermal window blinds that could slash household fuel bills by 15%.
Taylor laughingly joked: “After all these years of trying to turn up the ‘Power’ on the oche, now I’m trying to get the country to turn the power down.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d find myself at the Houses of Parliament, rubbing shoulders with MPs and asking them for help with bringing down the cost of heating our homes.
“I was a bit cross when the winter fuel allowance was scrapped. I can get by without it, but I know people back home in Stoke who have struggled to keep warm this winter.”
Former World No. 1 Taylor, who turns 65 in August, may be enjoying his new role in the political sphere but he remains captivated by Littler’s trailblazing trajectory in darts.
Teenage sensation Littler destroyed James Wade 11-2 in the UK Open final to pick up his fifth major in 10 months, and the greatest marksman of all time said: “I called in to see Luke the other day and, apart from all his trophies, you would never know he was a darts player.
“He is so down to earth, such a nice kid, that if he remembers to live a boring life for the next 20 years – steer clear of nightclubs, booze, fast cars and all the normal vices for an 18-year-old – the sky’s the limit for him.
“If he is prepared to make those sacrifices and live like a monk, he could break all sorts of records. He’s still a teenager but he’s already won five major titles.”
He added: “The day is coming when the champion will pick up £1 million for winning the world title at Alexandra Palace, and it wouldn’t surprise me if we see him averaging 120 in a major final. He really is that good.
“At the moment, I can only see one of the Lukes – Littler or Humphries – winning the Premier League because over 16 weeks, the cream rises to the top and they are the best players.
“Watching the professionals now, the only time you beat the Lukes is by playing out of your skin and hope that they miss a few doubles.
“What I like about Littler is that the kid is fearless. He doesn’t care who he’s playing, he’ll take you on.
“And until that fear factor goes, the others will struggle to live with him. Look at Manchester United – visiting teams used to be beaten before they set foot in Old Trafford, but now they are not scared of United any more.
“I think the biggest threat to Luke will be the next generation, the youngsters coming through who have been inspired by him. The old brigade will have to look after their money, bank it, pay their taxes and take every opportunity that comes along – because it’s only going to get tougher.”
Littler returns to action tonight (Thursday) at Brighton in the Premier League as he faces Chris Dobey.
Images by Taylor Lanning.
