Luke Littler will have to overcome what has been dubbed Man Utd syndrome to break the record of 16-time World Champion Phil Taylor in the words of the man himself.
As per Sky Sports, Taylor said that he will need to overcome a lot whether that is playing a lot of darts, constant hotels, travelling and other such factors to get close. Whilst also saying that if you take best v best, he believes he would've beaten Littler in his prime.
"If he wants to beat my world record, then he can go ahead and do it," Taylor said. "It's going to be difficult, to win 16 titles you are going to have to be in a lot of finals.
"It's a lot of darts, a lot of hotels, a lot of miles travelling. He'd have to play for the next 20 years to get close to my record and for 20 years he's got to be dedicated and make sure he does everything right.
"It's difficult when you are young and you have money in the bank. I was 30 when I won for the first time, so I'd done all that before.
"You get what I used to call the Man Utd syndrome - and Liverpool have got it as well - where everybody raises their game against you, so you have to be at your best in every round.
"And it can take its toll on you. Especially when you get beaten because everyone questions you: 'Why did he lose? What was wrong with him? Why has his bubble burst?'.
"Everybody loves to see you up there, and then they love seeing you get knocked off as well. It's how you take it, but I think he is mentally strong enough to deal with it.
"I've had my day but I would have loved to play Luke at my best, we'd have had a cracking game. I think I'd have beaten him but I'm not sure!"
Phil Taylor has backed Luke Littler to break his record of 16 world titles - but says the 17-year-old will have to overcome the "Man Utd syndrome" to do it 👑 🔴 pic.twitter.com/u46WTvjkId
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 15, 2025