"It's b******s because the stats don't": Darts legend Bobby George under fire after statements about Luke Littler and Phil Taylor

Darts legend Bobby George has drawn criticism for his claim that a Phil Taylor in his best years would have been no match for Luke Littler. The comment, made in an interview with talkSPORT, has been dismissed as "absolute nonsense" by former pro dart player Chris Mason.

Darts manufacturer and sponsor Target Darts is working on a special exhibition match between 16-time world champion Taylor and reigning world champion Littler. Taylor, considered by many to be the greatest darter of all time, quit professional darts in 2018 and recently retired completely due to health problems. Given his age and current form, Littler appears to be the big favorite for this match.

Yet according to many, a duel between a Taylor in top form and the new teen sensation would be a completely different story. But not according to Bobby George. The 79-year-old himself regarded as the first great darts personality, argues that even a Taylor at his absolute peak would lose out to Littler's scoring prowess.

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"Taylor was a great player, don't get me wrong. But I don't think he would have beaten Littler, even in his heyday, because his scoring power is so good. His finishing is unbelievable,'' George told talkSPORT. "The only way he [Taylor] could probably have a chance of beating him is to take the double 10 off the board because that's what he can hit every time. He's got double 10 [Littler's favourite double] or double top, bang, straight in. Taylor was a great player but not as good as Littler. That's my opinion, mind you."

These statements did not fall well with former pro Chris Mason, who played against Taylor several times. He reacted vehemently in an interview with Online Darts. "It's b******s because it's b******s because the stats don't [lie]... This game gives us numbers. I've seen it with my own eyes. Players being put under it [pressure], and they wilt. That didn't happen to Taylor, he would get stronger."

Mason, who among other things made the semifinals of the World Matchplay, stressed that Taylor's performance would still hold up at the highest level. "The averages are comparable. Taylor still has averages – on inferior boards – which still stack up against the elite of the last eight years. That's why it's b******s, I'm afraid.

"If you're on about now, it's a mismatch. But Taylor had tournament averages of 108 and 105. He averaged 113 against me over 24 legs. This isn't an opinion, just do a bit of research, dig a bit deeper.

"How good would Taylor have been in this era? And pushed a bit harder and playing in all these events. I love Bobby to bits, but that is just so wrong."

Despite the criticism, George stands by his position and even advised Taylor not to play the exhibition match against Littler. "Playing a guy that's one of the greatest players in the world at this time, he's got no chance. If he does it for the money, then all right, take the bees and honey."

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