Phil Taylor – the man who won everything except Dancing With The Stars – has given Luke Littler some unsolicited but probably accurate advice: start scaring people, or forget about chasing his world title record.
Taylor, affectionately known as The Power (and less affectionately known as the bloke who ruined careers for fun), collected his first world crown at 29. That means Littler has already beaten the great man on that score by over a decade. But still has a way to go.
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For context, Taylor racked up 16 world titles and 87 majors before retiring in 2018, when Rob Cross decided to make a name for himself by spoiling the farewell party at Ally Pally. It was Taylor’s 21st world final, which is a frankly silly number – like Monopoly wins against your Nan, except real trophies were involved.
Even the GOAT isn’t sure how many titles Littler can grab, but he’s adamant that it won’t be down to talent alone. In fact, he reckons the teenager’s destiny depends on three things: work ethic, focus, and the priceless ability to make fellow professionals sweat before a dart is even thrown.
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Speaking to Online Darts, the Stoke Ace had this to say:
“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.”
Roughly translated: Littler’s got the darts, the temperament, and the loving family. All he’s missing is the aura of doom that made players wilt the second Taylor strolled on stage.
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The Warrington wonderkid hasn’t done too badly so far, mind you. Since gate-crashing the World Championship at 16, he’s banked over £1.5 million in prize money – enough to buy a fleet of mopeds and still have change for a kebab. He’s now world No. 2, breathing down Luke Humphries’ neck, and has his Grand Slam crown to defend while eyeing up the World Grand Prix, European Championship and Players Championship Finals.
So yes, Littler is frightening already. Just not Taylor-level frightening – yet.
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