Phil Taylor, a renowned figure in darts, expressed his surprise upon learning that Luke Littler plans to do minimal practice before defending his £1m World Darts Championships title. Littler aims to join the exclusive group of only four players who have successfully retained the Sid Waddell Trophy, with the prestigious tournament kicking off soon. Despite facing Lithuanian player Darius Labanauskas in the first round, the 18-year-old from Warrington intends to approach the competition with minimal practice, a decision that has astonished the 16-time world champion, Taylor.
In an interview with SunSport’s Flight Club, Taylor remarked on Littler’s unconventional preparation, noting that while the young player lacks extensive practice, he exudes confidence that could propel him forward in the competition. Taylor recounted a recent encounter with Littler in Finland, where the latter opted not to practice before delivering an impressive performance on stage, showcasing his natural talent and skill.
Having dedicated 31 years to his professional darts career, Taylor emphasized the importance of mental preparation for players heading to the Ally Pally. Reflecting on his own rigorous practice routine, Taylor highlighted the mental aspect as the primary challenge in the sport. He advised players to start mental preparation early, emphasizing the significance of mindset and rest to avoid over-practicing. With a significant prize of £1m at stake this year, Taylor cautioned against excessive practice, urging players to strike a balance and ensure they are physically and mentally ready for the demanding three-week tournament.