TAYLOR TIPS LITTLER TO SURPASS HIS WORLD TITLE RECORD

PHIL TAYLOR believes Luke Littler has the potential to eclipse his legendary record of 16 World Championship titles.

‘The Power’ won two world crowns on the BDO circuit before going on to dominate the PDC with a further 14 titles, eventually retiring from professional darts in 2018. 

World No. 1 Littler joined an elite group by becoming just the fourth player to successfully defend the Sid Waddell Trophy, overcoming Gian van Veen in the final — all before his 19th birthday. 

Taylor joked that he doesn’t expect to still be alive if Littler ever manages to eclipse his illustrious tally. 

He told SunSport: “I think he’s got a bloody good chance, I’ll be honest with you. If I don’t get him shot on the way! 

“Well, hopefully, when he does break my records, I’ll be dead and gone. So I won’t have to listen to anybody else saying it!

“But if anybody’s got a chance, it’s definitely him, that’s for sure. 

“You know what, every time he does well, he keeps putting me back in the limelight. 

“Honestly, I’m getting more publicity now than when I was winning it. Bless his cotton socks. 

“Luke smashed Gian in the final. Absolutely smashed him. Steamrolled him. 

“He’s on another planet at the minute. Let’s be honest. The lad’s playing brilliantly. 

“He takes pressure really, really well. In fact, all the years I’ve played darts, he probably takes the pressure better than anybody I’ve ever seen, to be honest. 

“Whether that’s because he’s young or, I don’t know, he’s just majorly confident. He’s brilliant. I can’t fault him.” 

Stoke-on-Trent thrower Taylor reckons it would have been a “50–50” match-up had the two gone head-to-head on the same oche in their prime. 

He added: “It would have been a cracker. It would have been a brilliant game. 

“I honestly think at my best and his best it’s 50-50. I really do. 

“It’s like would Muhammad Ali beat Tyson Fury? Whoever’s the best on the day, I suppose. 

“There were times when I used to go into tournaments and I didn’t feel any pressure whatsoever. I was in my own little bubble and I’d smash them. 

“And then there’s other times when you just feel a little bit nervous because it’s the dedication with me. 

“Because we were that busy, up and down the country, running round here and there and everywhere. Sometimes I wasn’t as dedicated as what I would like to have been. 

“If talent doesn’t work hard, hard work will beat talent. I think he’s got more natural ability than I have, that’s for sure. 

“I had a bit of the Nigel Benn syndrome, whom I’m friends with. 

“Nigel said when he was in the army, you’d have to get up at like 5 o’clock in the morning. 

“But when he took boxing up, he could have a lie-in till about 9 o’clock. He worked his socks off and that’s what you’ve got to do. 

“I think not being so dedicated will take its toll one day. But not yet. I mean Luke’s still young yet.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.