Phil Taylor reveals ‘some don’t agree’ with Luke Littler’s controversial style but tips teen to become new world No1
PHIL TAYLOR believes Luke Littler has ruffled the darts feathers of rivals with his controversial style.
But the Power urged the Nuke to stick to his guns – because he is unstoppable doing it his way.
Littler, 17, is favourite to win the World Championship – after making history as the youngest ever finalist 11 months ago.
But he’s shocked many pundits by revealing his match preparations generally consist of just a few minutes’ practice.
Indeed, he’s often relaxing playing video games and enjoying snacks while other top stars are spending hours practicing at the oche.
Taylor, 64, who won a record 16 Ally Pally titles, believes the Warrington whizkid is sure to become World No 1 “soon”.
And coming in his debut season on the Pro Tour, that would cap an incredible rise for Littler after lying nowhere in the rankings at this time last year.
Asked if anything could halt Littler’s ascent, Taylor told casinoreviews: “Not really.
“With what he is doing, some people agree with it, and some don’t in the way he chills out.
“Luke does his 10 or 15 minutes of practice before a game and then he is done. If it suits him then carry on because whatever he is doing is working for him.”
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And Taylor reckons Littler has scant interest in the huge Ally Pally first prize – as his only driving force is success at the oche.
The legend from Stoke said: “The World Championships is going to tell us a lot.
“He definitely has the ability [to win it] and he’s got age on his side.
“Luke isn’t motivated by money – he just likes winning.
“So he will go into the World Championships, and £500,000 for the winner won’t even enter his head.”
Bookies rate Littler at around 11/5 to lift the crown.
Reigning champ and world No 1 Luke Humphries is second fave at 18/5.
Inside Littler's massive rise
LUKE LITTLER has taken the darts world by storm since exploding onto the scene at the PDC World Championship at the beginning of the year.
The Nuke reached the final on his Ally Pally debut at just 16 years of age – smashing records along the way.
He has then gone on to win a host of PDC events and the Premier League title – which he claimed at the O2 Arena by beating world champion Luke Humphries in May.
He also finished his first season in the World Series as the No1 ranked player.
He has joined Jude Bellingham on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list.
And the teenage titan even had to snub an invite from the WWE.
The Sun exclusively revealed that Littler is plotting to create a fitness empire.
He is also cashing in away from the Oche thanks to an Instagram side hustle.
And he’s even the face of a brand new cereal.
But he is newly single after splitting from girlfriend Eloise Milburn following a 10-month relationship.
Check out all of our latest Luke Littler stories.