Phil Taylor: Luke Littler must overcome ‘Manchester United syndrome’ to beat my World Championship record | Darts News happymamay

Phil Taylor has backed Luke Littler to break his record 16 world titles, but says the 17-year-old will have to overcome “Manchester United syndrome” to do so.

Littler became the youngest player to win a world championship at Alexandra Palace earlier this month to complete an impressive first year on the tour.

Taylor wants the youngster to break his own record, even if he says he would have beaten Littler in his prime.

“If he wants to break my world record, he can go ahead and do it,” Taylor said. “It will be difficult, to win 16 titles you will have to be in a lot of finals.

“There’s a lot of darts, a lot of hotels, a lot of miles travelled. He’s got to play for the next 20 years to get close to my record, and over the next 20 years he’s got to be dedicated and make sure he does everything.” right.

“It’s tough when you’re young and have money in the bank. I was 30 when I won for the first time, so I’ve done it all before.

“You’ve got what I used to call the Manchester United syndrome – and Liverpool have got it too – where everyone raises their game against you, so you have to be at your best every round.

“And it can affect you. Especially when you get beaten because everyone asks you: ‘Why did he lose?’ What’s wrong with him? Why did his bubble burst?

“Everyone loves to see you there, and then they love to see you get fired too. That’s how you deal with it, but I think he’s mentally strong enough to deal with it.

“I had a good time but I would have loved to play with Luke at my best, we were having a tough match. I think I would have beaten him but I’m not sure!”

Littler: If I wanted Taylor’s record, I could beat him

Littler has made a meteoric rise since his sensational run to the World Championship final in January 2024, capping off his 10-title haul in his first year on the professional circuit by claiming the biggest prize of all at the second time of asking.

The young star believes he “has the potential” to break Taylor’s impressive record of 16 world titles.

“Deep down, if I wanted to try to break the record, I’m sure I had it in me,” Littler said.

“If I wanted to, I’m sure I would. I just need to keep going. The calendar is stacked year-round.”

“I have said in previous interviews, if I won every major title in my career I would be happy, but obviously I would like to add more world titles.”

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