Phil Taylor has backed Luke Littler to surpass his record 16 world titles but says the 17-year-old must overcome “Manchester United syndrome” to do so.
Littler became the youngest player to win the World Championship at Alexandra Palace earlier this month to cap off a brilliant debut year on tour.
Taylor wants the youngster to eclipse his record, even if he says he would have beaten Littler in his prime.
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Littler’s last alarming nine-dart near miss
“If he wants to break my world record, he can go ahead and do it,” Taylor said. “It will be difficult, to win 16 titles you need to be in a lot of finals.
“It’s a lot of darts, a lot of traveling miles. He’s got to play for the next 20 years to get close to my record, and for 20 years he’s got to be committed and make sure he does everything right.
“It’s hard when you’re young and you’ve got money in the bank, I was 30 when I first won so I’d done it all before.
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Check out some of the most memorable moments from this year’s World Darts Championship, including Littler’s record collection, some barioque and two nine darts.
“You get what I used to call the Manchester United syndrome, and Liverpool have got it too, where everyone raises their game against you, so you have to be at your best every round.
“And it can take its toll on you. Especially when you’re being beaten because everyone’s asking you, ‘What are you doing?’
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Littler reflects on his first win at the World Darts Championship and shares his aspirations 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’s mentally strong enough to handle it.
“I’ve had my day, but I’d like to play Luke at my best. We’d play. I think I’d beat him, but I’m not sure.”
Littler: If I want Taylor’s record, I can beat it
Littler has seen a meteoric rise since his sensational run to the World Championship final in January 2024 and finished with 10 titles in his first year on the pro circuit, claiming the biggest prize of all in the second time of the poll.
The young star believes she “has the ability” to surpass Taylor’s astonishing record of 16 world titles.
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Highlights of Littler v Michael van Gerwen in the World Darts Final
“Deep down, if I want to try and break the record, I’m sure I have a chance,” Littler said.
“If I want to, I’m sure I’ll do it, I just have to keep going. The calendar is packed all year.
“I’ve said in previous interviews that if I win all the major titles in my career I’ll be happy, but obviously I’d like to add world titles.”
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