‘It’s crazy to think of me being bigger than Phil Taylor’, says Luke Littler as 17 year old compared to darts legend

17-YEAR-OLD darts sensation Luke Littler admitted that it was “crazy” to think of suggestions that he will surpass Phil Taylor’s legacy.

Taylor, 63, is the undoubted biggest name in the history of darts, winning a ridiculous 16 world darts championships over the course of his career.

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Littler admitted comparisons between him and Phil Taylor were ‘crazy’[/caption]

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Taylor won a record 16 world titles over the course of his career[/caption]

But Littler’s breakthrough performance as a 16-year-old at the world championships, where he reached the final, has led to people already drawing comparisons between the two.

His unlikely rise saw him catapulted into the darts spotlight and earn a surprise inclusion in the Premier League Darts lineup despite his young age.

He has held his own in the competition so far, and is currently joint second in the table on points alongside 2023 world darts champion Michael Smith.

Speaking on Taylor’s remarkable 16 world titles, and suggestions he could emulate that feat, Littler said: “I don’t think anyone’s beating that record!

“It’s just crazy, crazy to think of me being bigger than Phil.”

The world youth champion says he is keen to keep his feet on the ground and is not keen to set any outrageous goals.

“I’ve said to many people I’ve not really set any goals. I just get on with it. I just have to throw my darts and see where they go. I’m still gobsmacked that I’m here, getting all these opportunities. I’m just taking it in my stride as I do,” Littler said.

He continued: “I just love playing in front of a crowd.

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“I enjoy trying my best to put on a performance and I know I can play against the best. I’ve broken into the top 32, so hopefully I’m here for many years to come.”

Littler’s comparisons with Phil ‘The Power’ will no doubt have Michael van Gerwen bristling again.

The Dutchman has appeared to be frustrated with the way the media have hyped Littler’s rise and looks to have a renewed pep in his step on the oche as a result.

He’s won the last three Premier League Darts titles, with the latter two including a final victory over Littler and a semi-final victory over the young darter this week.

The arrower revealed his frustration that all the attention has been on Littler rather than Luke Humphries in the wake of Humphries winning the world title.

Speaking to VTM 2, he said: ”I actually think it’s a bit scandalous toward Luke Humphries.

”That guy is the world champion, won all the major majors last year and nobody talks about him. Deep down, that hurts him.”

Van Gerwen also called for less pressure to be put on Littler – who he beat in a thrilling semi-final in Newcastle this week.

He added: “He’s fantastic, but everyone puts so much pressure on him. Let him mature first.

“He’s done well, but that’s only two months, I’ve been doing it for 18 years.

“Of course he has everything to become a very big one, but give him a break, y’all.

“Qualifiers, Euro Tours, Pro Tours, a girlfriend, he has to learn to live with all that.

“Let him bump his nose and make mistakes, that’s where he learns the most.”