Phil Taylor continues to be impressed by Luke Littler and insists the teenager, who has just taken his earnings beyond a million, is not letting his fortune change the man he is
Phil Taylor continues to be impressed by Luke Littler and insists the teenager, who has just taken his earnings beyond a million, is not letting his fortune change the man he is Phil Taylor continues to be impressed by Luke Littler and insists the teenager, who has just taken his earnings beyond a million, is not letting his fortune change the man he is
Phil Taylor claims Luke Littler “isn’t that bothered” about earning huge sums having sat down for a chat with the teenage sensation.
Littler claimed the Grand Slam of Darts at the weekend, breaking records en route to lifting the trophy. It is yet another landmark achieved by the youngster who continues to take his sport by storm.
It was less than a year ago that the teenager was an unknown commodity before breaking through in the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. He finished runner-up in that tournament and will soon return after a stellar 12 months that has seen his profile rise and rise.
Littler though has earned plaudits for not chasing the money and remaining true to himself with Taylor claiming he remains down to earth and is more invested in taking care of his parents than anything else.
He told talkSPORT : “I’ve seen players come and go over the years. It’s a matter of being dedicated, you know, and money isn’t his motivation, believe it or not, he isn’t really that bothered. I was with him a couple of weeks ago down at Target, and he just plays on his game.
“He is a typical teenager, you know, and he isn’t motivated by prize money. It’s great, don’t get me wrong, and he’s secure. He’s more interested in looking after his mother and father in tournaments. It’s lovely to see, because I’ve seen so many players where they start earning money and that ruins their career then. But this lad, he just sits there, he’s quiet as a mouse, he’s lovely company to be with, to be honest.”
After Littler landed his first major in the Grand Slam of Darts, claiming £153,500 in the process, the 17-year-old was able to take his prize money earnings north of a million.
(
Image:
Getty Images)
The teenager has also laid down the gauntlet as he eyes Taylor’s record – knowing he has time on his side. His victory in Wolverhampton came 12 years earlier than Taylor’s first major victory honour at the age of 29 and Littler knows the huge haul is certainly attainable.
“If I want it, then I should get it,” he said. “But it’s going to take quite some years to pick up the amount of trophies, not only what Michael has got, but also Phil Taylor.”
Taylor hopes his records remain untouched, but accepts that Littler is primed to beat them. He said: “I hope not. I’ll tell you what though, if there’s anybody that could do it, it’s this young lad now. He’s got the age on his side, and he’s got the ability, so you never know, you never know.”
Mirror – Sport
