Phil Taylor has backed Luke Littler to break his record 16 world titles, but says he will have to overcome “Manchester United syndrome” to do so.
Littler, 17, beat Michael van Gerwen earlier this month to become the youngest ever PDC World Championship winner.
Taylor warned that Littler's success would inspire players to raise the level of their games against him in the same way his opponents did during a glittering 35-year career.
The 64-year-old likens it to the way teams rise up while playing against Manchester United and Liverpool, the two most successful football clubs in England.
“If he wants to break my world record, he can go ahead and do it,” Taylor said.
“It's tough when you're young and have money in the bank. I was 30 when I won for the first time, so I've done it all before.
“I've got what I used to call the Manchester United syndrome – and Liverpool have got it too – where everyone raises their game against you, so you have to be at your best every round.”
Taylor, nicknamed “The Power” and widely considered the best darts player of all time, retires in 2024 after dominating the sport for more than two decades.
Despite his success, Taylor never transcended the sport the way Littler did.
The teenager has enjoyed a meteoric 12 months, sparking a surge in interest in darts among young people and winning the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award.
He was also runner-up in the main prize to Olympic gold medal-winning athlete Kelly Hodgkinson.
Taylor added: “Darts has gone crazy. You wouldn't believe the difference since young Luke came in.”
“I'm fine with that, I'm too old for all that stuff now. I've had 40 years in my career, it can come and it can go.
“I have nothing but credit for this kid, I guess it's his world. I think it's great to see darts being so popular.”
Despite Littler's success, Taylor remains confident he could have beaten him at his best.
He said: “I had a good day, but I would have liked to play with Luke at my best. We were having a strong match.” “I think I would have beaten him, but I'm not sure.”
