Phil Taylor: Luke Littler must overcome ‘Manchester United syndrome’ to break my World Cup record | News about darts
Phil Taylor has backed Luke Littler to break his record 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 Cup at Alexandra Palace earlier this month to cap off a brilliant debut year on the tour.
Taylor wants the youngster to eclipse his record, even if he says he would have beaten Littler in his prime.
“If he wants to break my world record, then he can do it,” Taylor said. “It will be difficult, to win 16 titles, you will have to be in a lot of finals.
“There are a lot of darts, a lot of hotels, a lot of kilometers of travel. He would have to play for the next 20 years to get close to my record, and for 20 years he has to be dedicated 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 won the first time, so I’ve done it all before.
“You get what I used to call the Man Utd syndrome – and Liverpool have it too – where everyone raises their game against you, so you have to be at your best every round.
“And that can take a toll on you. Especially when you get beat up because everyone’s questioning you: ‘Why did he lose? What was wrong with him? Why did his bubble pop?’
“Everybody likes to see you up there and then they also like to see you get knocked down. You take it that way, but I think he’s mentally strong enough to deal with it.
“I had my day but I’d love to play Luke at his best, we’d have a great match. I think I’d beat him but I’m not sure!”
Littler: If I want Taylor’s record, I can break it
Littler has been on a meteoric rise since his sensational run to the World Championship final in January 2024 and completed his 10th title in his first year on the professional circuit by claiming the biggest prize of all at the second moment of the quest.
The young star believes he “has the ability” to break Taylor’s incredible record of 16 world titles.
“Deep down, if I want to try to break the record then I’m sure I have the ability to do it,” Littler said.
“If I want to do it, I’m sure I’ll do it. I just need to keep going. The calendar is lined up all year long.
“I’ve said in previous interviews that I’ll be happy if I win all the major titles in my career, but obviously I’d like to add world titles.”
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