Phil Taylor, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in darts history, has offered some invaluable advice to the sport's rising star, Luke Littler. At just 17 years old, Littler has already made waves by becoming the youngest PDC World Darts Champion, recently defeating renowned player Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace. Taylor, who has won 16 world titles during his illustrious career, believes Littler has the potential to surpass his achievements, but stresses the importance of practical advice off the board.
Having burst onto the scene over the past year, Littler has achieved remarkable success, quickly climbing the ranks to stand second behind Luke Humphries on the PDC Order of Merit. Following his monumental win, Littler's career earnings have soared over £1 million, and he now finds himself at the forefront of professional darts.
Despite this incredible success at such a young age, Taylor was eager to guide the young champion with advice not directly related to darts technique. “If I could give him one piece of advice, it wouldn’t be anything to do with his darts or the way he navigates his way around the board,” Taylor emphasized. He pointed out the importance of proper footwear, stating, “If you’re not standing comfortably on the oche, you’re not going to hit a target the size of your little fingernail, so make sure your shoes fit perfectly and take two or three pairs with you everywhere.”
Alongside footwear, Taylor stressed the importance of getting good rest. “I still take a mattress topper with me everywhere I go because some hotel beds are like sleeping in the middle of the road,” Taylor explained. He pointed out the impact of sleep on performance, noting, “Your darts won’t go where you want them to land if you are bleary-eyed after a restless night.”
Littler's impressive rise to the top is evident, having already secured four major titles with his recent World Championship victory. His achievement of becoming the youngest world champion is particularly noteworthy, as Taylor himself was nearing 30 when he won his first championship. "It’s entirely up to Luke how long he plays, how dedicated he remains and how many titles he wins,” Taylor reiterated with pride.
Expressing confidence in Littler’s future, Taylor said, “When people ask how many world titles he can win, don’t forget he has all the time in the world if he wants it.” His words reflect not only admiration for Littler’s talent but also the belief in his potential longevity and success within the sport.
Intriguingly, Taylor also painted the broader picture of young talent entering professional darts today. Reflecting on their fearless nature, he noted, “Youngsters now are fearless, almost disrespectful. They don’t give tuppence who you are or what you’ve done - they are not frightened of anyone.” This fierce attitude, Taylor believes, marks a significant shift from the past and adds to the competitive spirit in contemporary darts.
Littler is gearing up for his forthcoming appearance at the Bahrain Darts Masters, where he hopes to defend his title. His rapid ascent has placed him firmly on the international stage, highlighting darts' growing popularity beyond the UK. Littler expressed excitement about his role, stating, “But now I know darts are on the curriculum in Bahrain.”
With ambitions to team up with fellow player Luke Humphries, Littler also looks forward to representing England at the World Cup of Darts. His eagerness to compete for national pride is evident as he prepares for future tournaments. “Last year, people didn’t know it was based on your ranking,” he added, celebrating his current status and the opportunities it brings.
Reflecting on Taylor’s guidance and the advice received, it’s clear Littler’s promising career has only just begun. His combination of talent, ambition, and now guidance from one of darts’ legends, sets the stage for what could be one of the sport's most extraordinary careers.
Phil Taylor’s advice serves not only as practical tips for gear and rest but as reminder of the legacy and high standards expected within professional darts. The combination of skill, mental preparation, and support from established figures will undoubtedly be influential factors as Littler pursues his ambitions.