itstargetnews
Phil Taylor has backed Luke Littler to break his record of 16 world titles but says the 17-year-old must overcome “Manchester United syndrome” to do so.
Littler made a brilliant Tour debut earlier this month when he became the youngest player to win the World Championship at Alexandra Palace.
Taylor hopes the youngster can surpass his record, even though he says he would have beaten Littler in his prime.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Littler’s latest harrowing nine-dart attempt
“If he wants to break my world record, he can do it,” Taylor said. “It’s going to be difficult, to win 16 titles you have to be in a lot of finals.
“It’s a lot of darts, a lot of hotels, a lot of miles of travel. He’s got to play for the next 20 years to get anywhere near my record, and in those 20 years he’s got to put his heart and soul into it and make sure he does everything right. .
“It’s difficult when you’re young and have money in the bank. I was 30 when I won my first time, so I’ve done it all before.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Check out some of the most memorable moments from this year’s World Darts Championship, including Littler’s record-breaking darts, some barryocks and two nine-darters
“You get what I used to call the Manchester United syndrome – and Liverpool have it too – where everyone raises their game so you have to be at your best every game.
“It can take a toll on you. Especially when you get beaten because everyone asks you: ‘Why did he lose? What’s wrong with him? Why did his bubble burst?’.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Littler reflects on his first World Darts Championship victory and shares his desire to break Taylor’s record
“Everybody likes to see you out there and then they like to see you get knocked down. That’s how you take it, but I think he has the mental strength to handle it.
“I had a good day but I would love to be at my best against Luke and we will have a good game. I think I will beat him but I’m not sure!”
Littler: If I wanted Taylor’s record, I could break it
Littler has been on a meteoric rise since his sensational World Championship final in January 2024 and claimed the top prize at the second time of asking, taking 10 titles in his debut season on the Pro Tour.
The young star believes he “has what it takes” to break Taylor’s astonishing record of 16 world titles.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Highlights from the World Darts Championship final between Littler and Michael van Gerwen
“Deep down, if I wanted to try and break the record, then I was sure I had the ability to do it,” Littler said.
“If I want it, I’m sure I can do it. I just have to keep going. The calendar is stacked all year round.
“I said in previous interviews that I would be happy if I won all the major titles in my career, but obviously I want to increase the number of world titles.”
Watch the 2025 Premier League Darts League live on Sky Sports every Thursday from 6 February or stream live on NOW.
