Phil Taylor, a legend in the world of darts, has recently expressed his interest in mentoring rising star Luke Littler, provided certain conditions are met. Taylor, a 14-time PDC World Champion, is widely regarded as the greatest darts player of all time, and his offer to guide the 17-year-old Littler has caused a buzz in the darts community. While Taylor’s competitive days may be over, his potential involvement in Littler’s career could mark the beginning of a new chapter for both men—one as a mentor and the other as a young prodigy with a bright future ahead.
### Taylor’s Retirement and the Emergence of Luke Littler
Taylor’s playing career ended rather abruptly, as he recently disclosed that he was unable to fully compete in what he had planned to be his swansong event. While Taylor’s retirement has left a significant void in the professional darts scene, Luke Littler has emerged as a potential heir to Taylor’s legacy. At only 17 years old, Littler has already made a huge impact in the sport, capturing the Premier League title in his debut season earlier this year. This victory marked a major milestone in Littler’s young career, instantly propelling him to the forefront of the darts scene and establishing him as one of the most promising players of his generation.
Littler’s rapid rise has drawn comparisons to Taylor’s early dominance, with many wondering if he has what it takes to become the next great darts champion. The young player has also shown that he can handle the pressures of top-level competition, making it to the final of the World Darts Championship last year, where he narrowly missed out on taking the title. With another World Championship fast approaching this winter, Littler is already considered one of the favorites to clinch the trophy, and many see him as the player most likely to fill the shoes left by Taylor.
### A Potential Partnership Between Mentor and Prodigy
Littler has openly expressed his admiration for Taylor, calling it “crazy” to receive praise from the legendary player during last year’s World Championships. This mutual respect may be one reason why Littler’s team recently reached out to Taylor, asking him to consider mentoring the young star. Taylor, now 64, has confirmed that he is open to the idea, though he has laid out specific conditions that would need to be met in order for him to fully commit to the role.
In a recent interview with talkSPORT, Taylor revealed, “With young Luke, they have asked me if I would sit down with him. I said: ‘Of course, I will.’” However, Taylor emphasized that his involvement would not be limited to occasional advice or brief interactions. Instead, he is interested in taking a hands-on approach, observing Littler’s habits and routine closely. “But I would have to go and live with him for a few days, see what he is all about,” Taylor explained, indicating that he wants a complete understanding of Littler’s lifestyle before offering guidance.
### Taylor’s High Standards for Mentorship
Taylor’s requirements for mentoring Littler go beyond the darts board. He has a keen interest in understanding how Littler practices, what his daily routine involves, and even his eating and exercise habits. “If I spent time with him, I would see how he practises, see how he eats and exercises, how he does anything,” Taylor said. This thorough approach aligns with Taylor’s reputation as a meticulous and disciplined competitor, qualities that made him one of the most successful darts players in history.
One area where Taylor is particularly concerned is the distractions that can come with fame and success at a young age. Specifically, he mentioned the potential pitfalls of staying up late and spending too much time on gaming consoles like PlayStations. “If he’s playing on those PlayStations, I would give him a set time, an hour a night or something, and then get ready for the next day,” Taylor stated. He has witnessed many promising players falter due to a lack of discipline, especially those who indulge in late-night activities. “I have seen that many, many times – players who will have a drink afterwards, they get into the drinking and then they aren’t getting to bed until 1am or 2am,” Taylor added, underscoring his belief in maintaining a strict and professional schedule.
### Littler’s Recent Performance and Upcoming Challenges
Littler’s recent form suggests that he is well-positioned to heed Taylor’s potential advice and make the most of his prodigious talent. After a brief dip in performance following a change of darts equipment, Littler returned to his original set of darts at the Czech Darts Open, where he delivered an impressive performance. He shattered several tournament records before eventually being stopped by Luke Humphries in a tightly contested match. This return to form has only heightened expectations for Littler, who is set to compete in the European Championship this weekend.
His first opponent in the European Championship will be Andrew Gilding, and Littler is expected to advance deep into the tournament. Fans are particularly excited about the possibility of a rematch with Ricardo Pietrezcko, a competitor with whom Littler had a tense altercation earlier this year during the European Tour. This potential encounter has already generated significant buzz, adding another layer of intrigue to Littler’s rapidly developing career.
### A Legacy in the Making
As Luke Littler’s career gains momentum, the prospect of mentorship from Phil Taylor could prove to be a game-changer. Taylor’s experience, knowledge, and unmatched legacy would provide Littler with insights that few other players in the world could offer. However, Taylor’s insistence on maintaining a strict routine and professional habits suggests that any partnership between the two would require serious dedication and commitment from the young star.
For Taylor, guiding Littler could be a way to leave a lasting legacy beyond his own playing career, influencing the next generation of top-level competitors. For Littler, it would be a rare opportunity to learn from the greatest darts player of all time, potentially accelerating his development and helping him avoid some of the pitfalls that come with early success.
The darts world will be watching closely to see if this mentorship comes to fruition, as it could not only shape the future of Littler’s career but also have a broader impact on the sport as a whole. With a bright young star on the rise and a seasoned legend considering stepping back into the spotlight, darts fans are eager to see how this story unfolds—both on and off the board.