TAYLOR WARNS LITTLER HE NEEDS FEAR FACTOR TO BREAK RECORDS

PHIL TAYLOR has warned Luke Littler he must strike fear into opponents if he wants any chance of smashing his world title record.  

‘The Power’ was 29 when he won the first of his 16 world crowns, giving Littler an eight-year head start on the darts legend.  

87-times major winner Taylor would go on to retire in 2018 after losing to Rob Cross at Ally Pally in what was his 21st final.  

Former world No. 1 Taylor admits he doesn’t know how many times Littler will get his hands on the Sid Waddell Trophy – but insists the teenager’s long-term success hinges on keeping the hunger, focus and fear factor that left his own rivals trembling.  

He said: “I think it depends on his work ethic really because it’s going to get harder.  

“He’s going to get older and he’s going to have a family soon and things like that.  

“You’ve got to have that name about you where they’re a bit frightened of you.   

“People (are) frightened of you because you’re consistent, which seems to be intimidating people at the moment.  

“Young Luke, he’s very, very good and the thing is with him, he doesn’t care what people think or say. (He’s) very level headed and he’s not money orientated.  

“I think it’s very important when you’re that age to have good people behind you. His mum and dad are lovely.”  

Warrington wonderkid Littler has already pocketed more than £1.5million in prize money since bursting onto the World Championship stage as a 16-year-old less than two years ago – rocketing up to world No2 behind Luke Humphries.  

Littler is set to defend his Grand Slam of Darts crown along with attempting to add the World Grand Prix, European Championship and Players Championship Finals to his growing collection of silverware.

Image by Taylor Lanning.