Luke Littler changes his tune on Phil Taylor as darts star reveals sad side to newfound fame

Luke Littler changes his tune on Phil Taylor as darts star reveals sad side to newfound fame

WATCH NOW: Luke Littler in darts action

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 27/03/2024

- 09:55

Updated: 28/03/2024

- 11:15

The 17-year-old has enjoyed a stunning rise to prominence over the past few months

Luke Littler has previously doubted whether anybody can get close to Phil Taylor's darts record.

But the 17-year-old has now changed his tune and admitted he's looking to win many titles over the years to establish himself as the greatest of all time.


Littler has made a promising start to his career in the sport.

Having flourished at the World Darts Championship back in the New Year, the teenager has since continued to shine in the Premier League.

Luke Littler

Luke Littler has enjoyed a stunning rise to prominence ever since his exploits at the World Darts Championship

GETTY

Speaking in February, Littler was asked about potentially competing with Taylor's record of 16 world titles.

He doubted whether it was possible, saying at the time: "I don’t think anyone’s beating that record!

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

“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.”

Yet Littler has now seemingly changed his tune and admitted he's hoping to beat Taylor's haul.

Speaking on The Happy Hour podcast, when asked about how many titles he'd like to win, he said: "I'd love to beat Phil Taylor's record of 16, so I'd say 18."

Littler was unknown just a few months ago.

But, with the youngster now a household name, he's had to adjust to life in the spotlight.

And Littler has admitted things can 'get a bit too much' for him, insisting he sometimes 'just wants to go home'.

“If I’m out, I don’t mind doing a few (photos) but when it gets too much, I just want to go home then," he said.

"I went to a (rugby league) testimonial game for one of the boys who have been at the club for 10 years.

"That was just mayhem. That wasn’t even a full stadium.

“But I’ve to get out there and live my life. I don’t mind taking a few (pictures) but it does get over the top.

"I can’t even go out without someone noticing me. As soon as I step on my doorstep.”

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

Phil Taylor

Luke Littler has admitted he'd love to beat Phil Taylor's title record before he quits darts

GETTY

Meanwhile, Littler recently struggled in the Premier League - losing in the quarter-finals last week.

He has since slipped out of the play-off positions.

But former darts star Colin Lloyd insists Littler remains a force to be reckoned with, urging caution over the 17-year-old in the process.

"I wouldn't panic about it at the moment," he told Sky Sports.

"He's been doing absolutely everything since his World Championship run. It makes you think to yourself, has he had a bit of time to sit down, relax, take everything in and regroup?

Luke Littler

Luke Littler has admitted he sometimes 'just wants to go home' with darts star still adjusting to his newfound fame

GETTY

"So I think his break from Hildesheim Players Championship was a very mature thing to do."

He added: "His bubbles burst? No it hasn't.

"At this moment in time I'm going to give his performances a B. He's not won a night [of Premier League action] yet but he's still doing some stuff."

You may like