Phil Taylor shocked by Luke Littler’s World Darts Championships observe plan
Darts legend Phil Taylor has been left astounded by 18-year-old Luke Littler’s minimal practice routine
Darts icon Phil Taylor was left speechless after Luke Littler revealed his surprisingly relaxed approach to preparation ahead of defending his £1m World Darts Championship crown.
The teenager will be gunning to join an exclusive club of just four players who have successfully retained the Sid Waddell Trophy. The sport’s most prestigious tournament kicks off on Thursday evening, with The Nuke set to face Lithuanian Darius Labanauskas in the opening round.
Yet the 18-year-old Warrington sensation plans to enter the competition having deliberately kept his practice to an absolute minimum – a strategy that has left 16-time world champion Taylor utterly bewildered.
Speaking on SunSport’s Flight Club, The Power revealed: “Luke hasn’t fully practised as he should. But if he gets past the first round, then I think he’ll fly.
“Luke has got to go in there knowing he can win. I was with him last week in Finland and he’s so confident.
“I said: ‘Are you not taking the practice board with you?’ He’s going down to London and staying in some rented house. He went: ‘No.'”
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“Literally, he sat in the room in Finland, he never threw a dart all night, went on stage cold, hit 10 180s and had a 110 average. This is crazy.
“I’d never do that. But that’s his ability. He really is that natural. He’s brilliant.”
Throughout his three-decade professional career, Taylor was notorious for his relentless training regime, though he acknowledges that the psychological pressure at Ally Pally presents the greatest hurdle for competitors.
“I’d start getting myself ready about August, mentally-wise. I’m thinking about the World Championship,” he continued.
“The mind is the biggest muscle in your body. Getting yourself ready early doors is the main thing. Get your mindset right.
“It’s about getting your rest in as well, because a lot of people over-practise. They do too much.
“Because obviously there’s £1m on the table this year. So everybody’s going to be doing 5-6 hours a day.
“It’s too much. You’ve got to play well for three weeks now. Try and judge it. Never go in tired. Get yourself ready. Make sure your eyes aren’t tired.”
