‘They’re not used to it’ – Darts legend Phil Taylor breaks down blueprint to beating Luke Littler
In an exclusive interview with SPORTbible, darts legend Phil Taylor, a 16-time PDC World Champion, outlined the challenges of defeating Luke Littler, the 18-year-old prodigy who claimed the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship title. Taylor, widely regarded as the greatest darts player of all time, shared a strategic “blueprint” for opponents aiming to overcome the world No. 2, while also offering advice to Littler to sustain his meteoric rise.
Taylor highlighted the intense pressure Littler faces as a top player, likening it to the “Manchester United syndrome” he experienced during his own career. “Everybody plays well against you because you’re a big name… They’re not used to it,” Taylor explained, noting that opponents elevate their performance against Littler, often achieving averages above 100. This was evident in Littler’s 6-2 loss to Gerwyn Price at the Bahrain Darts Masters in January 2025, where Price posted a remarkable 115.31 average. Taylor suggested that opponents must consistently deliver their best game to capitalize on this dynamic, as Littler rarely faces subpar competition anymore. “You don’t get an easy game now,” he said, emphasizing that players like Price, Luke Humphries, or Michael van Gerwen can exploit this pressure by maintaining high scoring and precise finishing.
Beyond tactical advice for opponents, Taylor offered Littler guidance to maintain his dominance. He stressed the importance of mental resilience, urging Littler to “ignore” criticism and avoid social media to shield himself from negativity that could disrupt his focus. Reflecting on his own career, Taylor advised Littler to manage his finances carefully, recommending two bank accounts—one for immediate expenses and another for taxes and investments—to safeguard against potential setbacks like injuries. “Try to start investing your money, so if anything happens, if you fall down and break your arm or something, you’ve got something to fall back on,” Taylor said.
Taylor also addressed Littler’s long-term prospects, acknowledging the teenager’s potential to challenge his record of 16 World Championship titles. While Littler has expressed ambition to surpass this mark, Taylor noted the difficulty, given the increased competitiveness of modern darts. “It [the competition] is a lot better now,” Littler himself remarked, suggesting that even a prime Taylor might struggle in today’s field. However, Taylor remains optimistic about Littler’s future, stating, “If he is prepared to make those sacrifices and live like a monk, he could break all sorts of records.
