Phil Taylor has backed Luke Littler to break his record 16 World Cup titles, but says he will have to overcome the ‘Man Utd syndrome’ to do so.
Younger, 17, he defeated Michael van Gerwen earlier this month become the youngest ever winner of the PDC World Championship.
Taylor warned that Littler’s success would inspire players to up their game against him in the same way his opponents did during a brilliant 35-year career.
The 64-year-old compares it to the way teams lift their spirits when playing against Manchester United and Liverpool – two of England’s most successful football clubs.
“If he wants to break my world record, he can do it,” Taylor said.
“It’s hard when you’re young and have money in the bank. I was 30 when I won for the first time, so I had done it all before.
“You get what I used to call the Man Utd syndrome – and Liverpool have it too – where everyone improves their game against you, so you have to give your all in every round.”
Taylor, nicknamed “The Power” and widely considered the greatest darts player of all time, retiring in 2024 after dominating the sport for over two decades.
Despite his success, Taylor never transcended the sport the way Littler did.
The teenager has had a meteoric 12 months, which has resulted in a huge increase in interest in darts among young people winning the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award.
He was also runner-up for the top prize for Olympic gold medalist athlete Keely Hodgkinson.
“Darts has gone crazy. You wouldn’t believe the difference since young Luke showed up,” Taylor added.
It doesn’t bother me, I’m too old for all this stuff. I have a 40-year career behind me, anything can come and go.
“I have nothing against this boy, I think about him with the world. I think it’s great to see darts being so popular.”
Despite Littler’s success, Taylor still believes he could beat him if he was in top form.
“I had my day but I would love to play with Luke at his best, we would have a great match,” he said. I think I could beat him, but I’m not sure.
