Phil Taylor believes Luke Littler has ‘created a monster for himself’ because his rivals will ‘get the hump’ and be hunting him down.
The 17-year-old has shot to superstardom thanks to his exploits on the oche, becoming the youngest winner of the World Darts Championship ever when he downed Michael van Gerwen earlier this month.
That came a year on from finishing runner-up to Luke Humphries on his Alexandra Palace debut and his stunning 12 months have already established himself as a household name.
Littler is certainly not the only potent force on the oche, though, with Van Gerwen impressing on his run to the final at Ally Pally and Humphries still sitting top of the world rankings, among a number of other threats at the elite level.
Taylor says players are struggling to find their best form against the teenager star, but does not see that aura lasting for long as his rivals work harder than ever to beat him.
‘That’s at the minute. People will get used to that,’ Taylor told Metro of Littler’s intimidating aura. ‘Michael van Gerwen had it, I had it, Barney [Raymond van Barneveld] had it.
‘That doesn’t last too long because they’ll get the hump and think “right, I’m not losing again!” He’s created a monster for himself.’
The Power added also backed former world champion Michael Smith as someone who will fire back against Littler, predicting that the contenders will start trimming their schedules so they are primed to beat the Nuke to the next World Championship title.
‘This next year is going to be brilliant because Michael [van Gerwen] definitely will get the hump because I know him very well, he’s going to get back on that practice board and be dedicated,’ said Taylor, speaking ahead of his studio appearance at the MODUS Legends League Finals Night this Saturday on Pluto TV.
‘So will Luke Humphries, so will Michael Smith, so will the other players.
‘I think they’ll start picking and choosing. They travel here, there and everywhere and they’re all shattered.
‘You’ve got to time it properly, you’ve got to set your schedule out for the year. You can’t do it all, there’s too many tournaments. It’s about not burning out and being ready for the World Championship next year.
‘It’s going to be brilliant. Bahrain [Darts Masters] will be the first little bit of pressure for Luke. He’s got to perform as world champion now, got a big target on his back so everybody will be after him.’
Taylor has also warned Littler that the expectations place upon him will be even greater now than they were last year.
Any defeat will be under the magnifying glass, with the sport’s leading light bound to face criticism and questioning.
‘Oh you do!’ Taylor said. ‘When I used to get beat, oh mate! You wouldn’t believe! It used to get on me nerves. “What’s happened Phil? Has the bubble burst? You cost me a tenner!”
‘I’d say, “It cost you a tenner? It cost me £250,000. Plus bonuses! Here’s a tenner, shut up!”‘
MODUS Super Series Darts debuts exclusively on Pluto TV
MODUS Super Series and Pluto TV have entered a groundbreaking partnership to bring darts to viewers in the UK and across several international markets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
MODUS Super Series Darts is a brand new channel, available for free on Pluto TV, dedicated to providing darts programming around the clock.
Central to the channel will be the live Pluto TV MODUS Super Series tournament, with 104 live matches taking place every week, with Pluto TV becoming the title sponsors.
Darts fans can now immerse themselves in the sport like never before. The Pluto TV MODUS Super Series channel aims to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience, featuring a mix of live matches, expert analysis, and engaging behind-the-scenes content.
The live tournament, which serves as the channel’s centrepiece, showcases the skills of established players and emerging talent, creating thrilling moments that highlight the intensity and precision of the sport. Additionally, viewers can enjoy in-depth features and documentaries that explore the journeys and stories of darts personalities, providing a deeper connection to the game and its players.
Exclusively on Pluto TV, the channel will feature an exciting live event on Saturday 18 January: The Legends League Finals Night. This special live show will be graced by legendary darts figure, Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, who will be in the studio for the live action. The 16-time World Champion will provide analysis as other legends of darts battle out to win the Legends League.
The first full week of the exclusive partnership will be marked by the start of Pluto TV MODUS Super Series Ten, which will culminate with the victorious player pocketing £25,000 and following in the footsteps of renowned former winners such as teenage prodigy and current World Darts Champion Luke Littler, who won the tournament twice at the age of 16.
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