Luke Littler sets sights on Phil Taylor's staggering record after first World Championship title
Luke Littler sets sights on Phil Taylor's staggering record after first World Championship title
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Luke Littler has already become the youngest winner of the PDC World Darts Championship, and the teenager has a clear target in his sights - the record 16 world titles won by Phil Taylor. Littler, 17, overcame Michael van Gerwen in Friday's final at Alexandra Palace. The teenager raced into a 4-0 lead against the three-time champion before rounding off a 7-3 victory.
Taylor didn't win his first PDC world title until the age of 34, leaving Littler with plenty of time to catch up to his tally of 14 in the competition. 'The Power' also won a pair of BDO titles for a career total of 16, but those too came when he was more than a decade older than Littler is now.
It remains to be seen how long Littler will be able to dominate the sport, but two world finals from two attempts is as solid as starts come. The teenager was asked about his ambitions after beating Van Gerwen, and Taylor's name came up - along with that of footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.
When asked about his reaction to talk of 'Project Littler' and comparisons with stars like Ronaldo, Manchester United fan Littler told PDC media: "Unbelievable. Comparing me to the likes of Ronaldo and Mbappe - I think Project Littler's been going on for the last year now and I hope it continues.
"Because from what I know last year there weren't many young kids in the crowd, but to see so many in the family section when we walk off stage, in that tier, it's been good. And obviously most of them are wearing my shirts. When asked about how many titles he might end up with, he added: "No idea. I could potentially break the record, if I want it then I'll chase it, but for now I'm happy with one.".
