"You’ve got Littler in the back room literally on his phone doing nothing" – Difference in work ethic between Phil Taylor and the 19-year-old world champion laid bare

Presenter Polly James highlighted a telling contrast this week between two generations at the top of the darts world. At an event also attended by Phil Taylor, she asked the 16-time world champion what advice he would give young talents dreaming of a place on the professional circuit. The answer from “The Power” was as simple as it was revealing.

Taylor, with a record 87 major titles and sixteen world crowns, is still regarded as the greatest player ever. His career was defined by an almost obsessive dedication to practice and relentless drive at the oche.

On the Double Tops Podcast, James explained how she put the question to him in a room full of young players. “I asked him: what would you say to youngsters wanting to get into darts and improve their game?"

“Littler said stay off social media and chase your dreams. I mean, he’s a natural-born talent, but Phil said try to hit two 180s every night before you go to bed. He’s a very staunch advocate of just working your arse off, basically, while you’ve got Littler in the back room literally on his phone doing nothing.”

“The Nuke” returns to the Premier League on Thursday to face Jonny Clayton in Belfast. Littler is currently sixth in the standings but heads into Night 4 full of confidence after his tournament win at the Poland Darts Masters.

He put his season start into perspective but sounded combative: “It’s not the best start but there’s still 13 weeks left to get into that top four.

“I’ve got loads of time. This weekend has given me massive confidence going into Belfast. I need to start picking up now and start playing better on Thursday.”

Thus, two philosophies collide within one sport: Taylor’s training doctrine versus Littler’s pure talent. Which approach ultimately yields the greatest return will become clear in the years to come.