Phil Taylor has backed Luke Littler to interrupt his document of 16 world titles – however says the 17-year-old must overcome “Man Utd syndrome” to do it.
Littler grew to become the youngest participant to win the World Championship at Alexandra Palace earlier this month to finish an excellent debut 12 months on tour.
Taylor desires the teen to eclipse his document, even when he says he would have overwhelmed Littler in his heyday.
“If he desires to beat my world document, then he can go forward and do it,” Taylor mentioned. “It should be tough, to win 16 titles you will must be in numerous finals.
“It is numerous darts, numerous inns, numerous miles travelling. He’d must play for the subsequent 20 years to get near my document and for 20 years he is received to be devoted and ensure he does the whole lot proper.
“It is tough if you end up younger and you’ve got cash within the financial institution. I used to be 30 once I gained for the primary time, so I would performed all that earlier than.
Take a look at a few of the most memorable moments from this 12 months’s World Darts Championship together with Littler’s record-breaking set, some Barrioke and two nine-darters
“You get what I used to name the Man Utd syndrome – and Liverpool have gotten it as properly – the place all people raises their recreation towards you, so it’s important to be at your finest in each spherical.
“And it might probably take its toll on you. Particularly while you get overwhelmed as a result of everybody questions you: ‘Why did he lose? What was flawed with him? Why has his bubble burst?’.
Littler mirrored on his first World Darts Championship win and shared his aspirations to interrupt Taylor’s document
“All people likes to see you up there, after which they love seeing you get knocked off as properly. It is how you are taking it, however I feel he’s mentally sturdy sufficient to take care of it.
“I’ve had my day however I might have cherished to play Luke at my finest, we would have had a cracking recreation. I feel I would have overwhelmed him however I am undecided!”
Littler: If I would like Taylor’s document, I can beat it
Littler has been on a meteoric rise since his sensational run to the ultimate of the World Championship in January 2024 and capped choosing up 10 titles in his maiden 12 months on the skilled circuit by claiming the most important prize of all on the second time of asking.
The younger star believes he “has the flexibility” to interrupt Taylor’s astonishing document of 16 world titles.
Highlights of Littler towards Michael van Gerwen within the ultimate of the World Darts Championship
“Deep down, if I need to attempt to break the document then I am certain I’ve received the flexibility to,” Littler mentioned.
“If I would like it, I am certain I will do it. I simply must maintain going. The calendar is stacked all 12 months spherical.
“I’ve mentioned in earlier interviews, if I win each main title in my profession I will be blissful, however clearly I would like so as to add to the world titles.”
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