Phil Taylor can't believe Luke Littler's preparations ahead of defending his title at the upcoming 2026 World Darts Championship.
Littler won the 2025 World Darts Championship to secure the first world title of his darting career.
Ahead of defending his crown at Ally Pally, Michael van Gerwen has issued a warning to his rival.
Taylor, who won 16 world titles during his legendary career, has also shared his thoughts on Littler ahead of the tournament getting underway on Thursday,
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He is stunned by how little practice the 18-year-old is planning to do ahead of his championship campaign, which begins against Darius Labanauskas.
"Luke hasn’t fully practised as he should. But if he gets past the first round, then I think he’ll fly," he told The Sun.
"Luke has got to go in there knowing he can win.
"I was with him last week in Finland and he’s so confident."
Taylor added: "I said: 'Are you not taking the practice board with you?' He’s going down to London and staying in some rented house. He went: 'No'.
"Literally, he sat in the room in Finland, he never threw a dart all night, went on stage cold, hit ten 180s and had a 110 average.
“This is crazy. I’d never do that. But that’s his ability. He really is that natural. He’s brilliant."
Taylor adopted a very different approach when he was at the peak of his powers.
He practiced relentlessly, winning 16 world titles across darts organisations the BDO and the PDC.
'The Power' revealed that he would mentally prepare himself for the World Darts Championship in August.
"I’d start getting myself ready about August, mentally-wise," he explained. "I’m thinking about the World Championship.
"The mind is the biggest muscle in your body. Getting yourself ready early doors is the main thing. Get your mindset right.
“It’s about getting your rest in as well, because a lot of people over-practise. They do too much."
Littler has enjoyed a remarkable year, having won multiple major titles, including the aforementioned World Darts Championship, the World Matchplay, the World Grand Prix, the UK Open and the Grand Slam of Darts - becoming the PDC world No.1 in the process.
He will be aiming to cap off 2025 with a second World Darts Championship title.
Topics: Luke Littler, Darts, World Darts Championship
Nasir Jabbar