Luke Littler urged to contact Phil Taylor as early World Grand Prix exit sets off alarm bells
PA
The 17-year-old struggled during the recent tournament
Luke Littler has been getting too distracted and should reach out to Phil Taylor for some advice in the wake of his early World Grand Prix exit.
That's according to former darts star Dennis Priestley, who has expressed some concerns about the 17-year-old following his struggles at the tournament.
Littler had gone into the recent World Grand Prix hoping to add to his growing trophy collection.
Yet that didn't happen, with the teenager sent crashing out of the tournament in the first round.
Luke Littler has been accused of getting 'too distracted' in the wake of his recent early exit from the World Grand Prix
PA
Littler was beaten by Rob Cross and, now, Priestley has expressed a belief that he's been getting 'too distracted' playing video games.
It's well-known that the youngster likes to spend time on his Xbox, with FC 25 (previously known as FIFA) one of his favourite titles.
Priestley, speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Darts odds, said: "It looks that way for Luke [getting distracted by things away from the oche like video games].
"He’s not that good to be able to take things for granted.
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"The more times he keeps getting beat, the more it’s going to affect his confidence.
"He needs to inherit the aura about him like Phil Taylor had.
"Phil set the bar very high, followed by Michael van Gerwen so Luke needs to produce year after year.
"In the modern day there's more money to be won so that's where Luke needs to have Taylor's mentality."
Priestley then urged Littler to reach out to Taylor, who is considered the best darts player in the sport's history.
"If Littler feels he needs some advice, it wouldn't hurt to reach out to Phil," he continued.
"He has to have that mentality if he wants to be thought of as one of the best players of all time."
Littler has enjoyed a stunning year ever since bursting onto the scene at the World Darts Championship.
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Luke Littler lost 2-1 to Rob Cross at the World Grand Prix
SKYSPORTSThe 17-year-old made the final of that competition before losing to Luke Humphries, who is currently world No 1.
Littler won his first pro title in Belgium - before claiming Premier League glory at the start of the summer.
His fine form has seen him rise to 20th in the world rankings.
Yet Littler did admit he was disappointed by his recent form at the World Grand Prix, with the teenager left rueful after his early exit at the hands of Cross.
Luke Littler has been urged to contact Phil Taylor after his recent exit from the World Grand Prix
PA
"Debut didn't go to plan as I would of liked but overall I enjoyed my performance," he said on social media.
"Fair play to Rob, week off now and back to it in Wigan for PC 27/28."