Luke Littler warned about ‘Man Utd syndrome’ by Phil Taylor as darts legend gives teen words of advice

PHIL TAYLOR would have no problem if his historic tally of world titles is surpassed – and he reckons youngster Luke Littler has the best chance of achieving that.

The Power’s love of the sport has been rekindled this past year by the rivalry between the two Lukes - Littler and world No1 Humphries.

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Prior to that, he had tended to switch off Sky Sports and stay away from something that had ruled his life for four decades.

Taylor, who retired from the pro ranks after the 2018 world final, is the standbearer with sixteen world crowns – 14 in the PDC and two from the BDO.

Littler, last year’s runner-up, is only 17 years old but is favourite to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy on the third day of the New Year.

Asked if his record 16 world titles will remain unmatched, Taylor, 64, replied: “I hope so. You never know. You never know. It wouldn’t bother me if it got beaten.

“It can get beaten. If anything Luke has the age on his side.

“It’s loads harder now. I probably won 10 world championships with the schedule not half as busy as it is now.

“I’ve had more publicity since Luke Littler became world runner-up and won tournaments than when I was winning myself.

“Every time I click on Google News, I’m on it. It’s great.”

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Taylor, whose last world triumph came 11 years ago, will be at home on Saturday as Littler takes on underdog Ian White – 37 years his senior – in round three.

He continued: “Luke’s emergence has been absolutely brilliant. I love the way he walks up there. He isn’t interested in money.

“He’s interested in titles. He’s interested in enjoying himself. If he doesn’t win, he isn’t a sulker.

“He doesn’t throw his toys out of the cot. He just gets on with it and the next one.

“What Luke has to be careful of is: ‘Don’t be complacent.’

“I used to call it the 'Manchester United syndrome'. Because United never got an easy game.

“I never got an easy game as everybody tried their best against me.

Whoever plays Luke will either play brilliantly or play poorly. There will be no middle section.

“They will go up there and try their socks off. Because one, they will earn good prize money and secondly, they’ll make a big name for themselves.”

There was a time not too long ago when the oche’s biggest name would not bother watching a sport that he once dominated.

But things have now changed this year and he will try to catch every dart thrown over the next six days of competition.

Taylor said: “I’m enjoying my darts again. I’ll be watching more or less every game at the World Championships at Alexandra Palace.

“What has sparked it for me is the quality of the players, the younger players coming through, especially the two Lukes. I love those two to bits.

“They are a breath of fresh air. They are quality to watch.

“You don’t know what will happen with them. They will always play well, then they will do nine-darters, 10-darters.

“They make it exciting. The rivalry is brilliant. It puts bums on seats and sells tickets.”

Taylor had hip surgery this summer which required crutches for several weeks and, as a result, he called time on his participation at Seniors Darts level.

The Stoke icon said: “It’s a matter of doing more exercise now, getting the blood circulating.

“Competitive darts now has gone for me. The mind is willing, the body isn’t. I feel 18 inside my head.

“Let’s concentrate on getting healthy. It’s about dedication. If you want to be the best, you have to live that life, get up in the morning, get on the practice board for 2-3 hours a day.

“Not for me anymore. I’m nearly 65. I cannot do it now. It’s age really. My body wasn’t willing anymore.”