Phil Taylor has backed Luke Littler to break his record of 16 world titles – but says the 17-year-old will have to overcome “Man Utd syndrome” to do it.
Littler became the youngest player to win the World Championship at Alexandra Palace earlier this month to complete 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 heyday.
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Littler’s recent agonising nine-dart near misses
“If he wants to beat my world record, then he can go ahead and do it,” Taylor said. “It’s going to be difficult, to win 16 titles you are going to have to be in a lot of finals.
“It’s a lot of darts, a lot of hotels, a lot of miles travelling. He’d have to play for the next 20 years to get close to my record and for 20 years he’s got to be dedicated and make sure he does everything right.
“It’s difficult when you are young and you have money in the bank. I was 30 when I won for the first time, so I’d done all that before.
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Check out some of the most memorable moments from this year’s World Darts Championship including Littler’s record-breaking set, some Barrioke and two nine-darters
“You get what I used to call the Man Utd syndrome – and Liverpool have got it as well – where everybody raises their game against you, so you have to be at your best in every round.
“And it can take its toll on you. Especially when you get beaten because everyone questions you: ‘Why did he lose? What was wrong with him? Why has his bubble burst?’.
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Littler reflected on his first World Darts Championship win and shared his aspirations to break Taylor’s record
“Everybody loves to see you up there, and then they love seeing you get knocked off as well. It’s how you take it, but I think he is mentally strong enough to deal with it.
“I’ve had my day but I would have loved to play Luke at my best, we’d have had a cracking game. I think I’d have beaten him but I’m not sure!”
Littler: If I want Taylor’s record, I can beat it
Littler has been on a meteoric rise since his sensational run to the final of the World Championship in January 2024 and capped picking up 10 titles in his maiden year on the professional circuit by claiming the biggest prize of all at the second time of asking.
The young star believes he “has the ability” to break Taylor’s astonishing record of 16 world titles.
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Highlights of Littler against Michael van Gerwen in the final of the World Darts Championship
“Deep down, if I want to try and break the record then I’m sure I’ve got the ability to,” Littler said.
“If I want it, I’m sure I’ll do it. I just need to keep going. The calendar is stacked all year round.
“I’ve said in previous interviews, if I win every major title in my career I’ll be happy, but obviously I’d like to add to the world titles.”
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