Teenage darts dynamo Luke Littler has revealed that the only player he dreams of facing is the legendary Phil Taylor.
Despite making a major name for himself on the pro darts scene, it seems unlikely this clash between generations will ever happen given Taylor is close to departing the sport for good. ‘The Power’ has confirmed he’ll be hanging up his darts in November after completing his second season on the senior circuit.
Despite his young age, ‘The Nuke’ has shown remarkable composure as he ascends to the top of the darts pecking order. The 17-year-old had previously mentioned Raymond van Barneveld as his childhood idol, but the two appeared to have a falling out (which now seems to be resolved) earlier in 2024.
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Having faced off against many of the sport’s elite over the past 12 months, there are only a few at the top of the game whom Littler hasn’t played. However, he would love to share the oche with 64-year-old Taylor at some point.
“There’s only one I would like to have a game against and that is Phil Taylor,” said the teenager during a recent Instagram Q&A session (via the Daily Express). It appears the feeling is mutual, too, as The Power has spoken highly of the newest darts sensation in the past.
“I’d play him in an exhibition, yeah,” the veteran told talkSPORT earlier in 2024. “One leg of 301, I go first!”
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(Image: LAWRENCE LUSTIG)
While Littler is still far from matching Taylor’s record of 16 World Championship titles, he seems to have a better chance than anyone else of eventually breaking that record. Having reached his first Ally Pally final at just 16, Premier League champion Littler has time on his side if he hopes to match Taylor’s tally one day.
Despite his impressive legacy, it’s doubtful that Taylor would be able to keep pace with Littler in a match today. A showdown between the two during Taylor’s heyday would have been a different matter, however, especially considering Littler is yet to reach his prime.
For the time being, the newest superpower in darts will have to be content with sticking it to the current elite of the darts world. However, there may always be that lingering question about who would have come out on top in the GOAT contest.