Darts icon Phil Taylor was amazed to learn about Luke Littler’s minimal practice routine as he prepares to defend his £1 million World Darts Championships title. Littler aims to join a select group of individuals who have successfully retained the prestigious Sid Waddell Trophy, with the tournament commencing Thursday night.
Despite being paired against Lithuanian Darius Labanauskas in the opening round, the 18-year-old from Warrington plans to enter the competition with deliberately limited practice, a decision that surprised Taylor, a 16-time world champion.
In an interview with SunSport’s Flight Club, Taylor expressed his astonishment at Littler’s unconventional approach, stating that although Littler has not practiced rigorously, he believes the young player has the potential to excel if he advances beyond the initial round.
Reflecting on his own career spanning over three decades, Taylor highlighted the mental aspect as the primary challenge for players at Ally Pally, emphasizing the importance of mental preparation starting as early as August. He stressed the significance of maintaining a focused mindset and adequate rest, cautioning against excessive practice due to the high stakes, including the substantial prize money up for grabs this year.
Taylor advised players to strike a balance in their preparation, avoiding fatigue and ensuring peak performance throughout the demanding three-week championship. He underscored the need for players to be well-rested and alert, emphasizing the crucial role of mental readiness in achieving success on the darts stage.