Phil Taylor has been left utterly gobsmacked by Luke Littler's laid-back approach to defending his World Darts Championship crown.
The 16-time world champion revealed that the teenage sensation won't even be taking a practice board with him to London ahead of Thursday's opening match against Darius Labanauskas at Alexandra Palace.
"I said: 'Are you not taking the practice board with you?' He's going down to London and staying in some rented house. He went: 'No,'" Taylor told The Sun.
With a cool £1m up for grabs, the 18-year-old's relaxed preparation has left the darts legend completely baffled.
Phil Taylor dominated darts during his playing days | PATaylor witnessed Littler's extraordinary natural talent firsthand during a trip to Finland last week, and what he saw left him shaking his head in disbelief.
The Warrington youngster didn't throw a single dart all evening before stepping onto the stage completely cold – and then proceeded to deliver a stunning performance.
"Literally, he sat in the room in Finland, he never threw a dart all night, went on stage cold, hit ten 180s and had a 110 average," Taylor explained.
"This is crazy. I'd never do that. But that's his ability. He really is that natural. He's brilliant."
Taylor's own approach during his legendary 31-year career couldn't have been more different.
The Power would begin his mental preparation for the World Championship as early as August, getting his mindset right months before stepping foot in Alexandra Palace.
Luke Littler is the defending champion ahead of the World Championships
|PA
"The mind is the biggest muscle in your body. Getting yourself ready early doors is the main thing," he said.
Despite Littler's famously casual demeanour in practice rooms – where he's just as likely to be playing FIFA on his phone as throwing darts – Taylor reckons there must be some serious work happening behind closed doors.
"I think backdoors, he's putting the work in," Taylor insisted.
Phil Taylor has already retired from darts after an incredible career | PALittler's stellar year has seen him scoop up an incredible haul of major titles, including the UK Open, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam and Players Championship Finals – propelling him to world number one in the process.
So how on earth do you beat someone this talented? Taylor believes timing is everything.
"You've got to take that first set off him," he advised. "Knock him down, make him nervous, that's the only way you beat him."
The Power also noted that even Littler's game dips occasionally during longer matches – and that's when opponents need to keep the pressure firmly on.