DARTS legend Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor has issued a warning to Luke Littler after the 18-year-old became the world No1.
Littler made history to become the youngest ever world No1 in the sport after successfully defending his Grand Slam of Darts title.
He eased away from Luke Humphries in the final to win 16-11 for his fifth major title of the year.
Just by reaching the final, Littler usurped Humphries as the world No1.
Taylor is widely regarded as the greatest darts player of all-time.
Littler’s stunning arrival on the scene two years ago inevitably promoted thoughts he could be Taylor’s successor one day.
For Taylor’s part, the 65-year-old always knew Littler would be the best in the world.
Taylor told talkSPORT: “Oh, definitely. 100%. It was only a matter of time before he was No. 1 — that was never in doubt,”
“It’s just the way he is. He conducts himself brilliantly. He’s a lovely lad — very quiet.
“He’s not a party animal, which impressed me because he’s not money-motivated.
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“He just gets on with it. He doesn’t get flustered, the limelight doesn’t bother him, and he takes everything on the chin. I think he’s great.”
It’s an extraordinary rise for Littler who has now banked more than £2.6m in prize money – with countless more in sponsorship deals – as he heads towards his 19th birthday in January.
When Taylor was the same age, he was earning just £40-per-week working as an engineer in a metal factory.
But with Littler’s newfound position atop of the sport, Taylor has warned the teenager players will ‘hate him’ for winning all the top prizes, something he experienced himself.
“Oh yeah, all the time,” Taylor admitted.
“You get disliked for it — lots of jealousy. You’re the one winning all the money, stopping others making a good living.
“If Luke wins a million pounds by January 3rd, the players will hate him — of course they will. Everybody wants to beat him.”
The Paddy Power World Darts Championship gets underway on December 15 where all the best players in the world will meet at Alexandra Palace.
Littler will be looking to defend his title after defeating three-time champion Michael Van Gerwen in the final last year.
