Phil Taylor delivers Luke Littler verdict and admits the one thing he never did on his way to 16 world titles

Darts icon Phil Taylor remains the most brilliant exponent of the game we have ever seen. Challengers came and went during his illustrious career, but no-one was able to match the man from Burslem’s superlative record. As such, “The Power” is the perfect man to preview the forthcoming World Championships - and the latest attempt by a young pretender to claim the Taylor mantle.

Teen wonder Luke Littler fell at the final hurdle during last year’s Ally Pally spectacular, beaten by Luke Humphries with the trophy seemingly there for the taking. So can the 17-year-old from Runcorn go one better this year, or can Humphries retain a crown that Taylor claimed 16 times during his career?

The 2005 tournament runs from 7pm on Sunday, December 15 until the final on the evening of Friday, January 3, and Taylor has been previewing the action for Casino Reviews…

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What have you made of Luke Littler winning the Grand Slam of Darts?

Phil Taylor: I absolutely loved it. You can put your money on that - he will become world number one soon.

Can Luke Littler become world number one by 2025?

PT: The World Championships is going to tell us a lot (on if he can do it). He definitely has the ability, and he’s got age and youth on his side. Luke isn’t motivated by money; he just likes winning, so he will go into the World Championships and £500,000 for the winner won’t even enter his head.

Could anything stop him from dominating the sport?

PT: Not really. With what he is doing, some people agree with it, and some don’t in the way he chills out. Luke does his 10 or 15 minutes of practice before a game and then he is done. If it suits him then carry on because whatever he is doing is working for him.

Luke Littler admitted to eating a chocolate bar and a fizzy drink during the interval of the Grand Slam of Darts final. Did you do anything similar in a final?

PT: No, I was always hungry and never ate before I went on. It keeps you sharp and alert. Two or three hours before I played, I would never eat; I would have something after I had finished (the game). I would eat whatever was open - a Chinese, an Indian or whatever was available really. We would sometimes make some sandwiches when we got back. It would depend on where we were as I had my own place in Blackpool so we would have something when we got in. I had a lodge. It was beautiful.

How hard will it be for Luke Humphries to defend his world title?

PT: It all depends on how he feels because it’s a funny time of the year as the weather is dropping, the temperature is always cold and you get all of the viruses coming out, the colds, the flu and everything. As long as he goes in there all fit and healthy, he’s got every chance of retaining it. It depends on the draw as well with who he gets in the first and second round, and so on. There’s a lot more to it than just playing darts.

Did you ever get any flu or illnesses in a big final?

PT: I did. My friend gave me some antibiotics off the doctor and that was when I won my 16th world title. It fell on New Year’s Day so we had a few days off so I got the antibiotics in my system and was fine from then.

Could Peter Wright walk away from the sport?

PT: It depends on what Peter Wright turns up; he has won a title this year. Peter has really pushed the boat out over the years; he went to every tournament and was on the road every time. He has burnt the candle from both ends a little bit. He needs to rest up a little bit now and focus on the Worlds, that’s what he needs to do. He is still capable of winning another World Championship.

How are you finding retirement?

PT: I’m alright. I’m 64, going on for 65 years old, and it’s the right time to relax. There’s no pressure on me, I just get up in the morning and do whatever I want instead of being dedicated. If I want to go out, I will go out whereas before I would go through the door and practice to get ready for a tournament.

How good is it playing at the Alexandra Palace for the Worlds?

PT: It’s absolutely massive, three times the size of any other stadium I had played in. We had to get used to that at first, the size of the stage and the size of the setting. Blackpool was a good size but it was about a third of what the Ally Pally is. Blackpool, the Winter Gardens, was my favourite venue. I played at some lovely places, don’t get me wrong, but Blackpool was always my favourite.