Phil Taylor criticizes Luke Littler’s lack of practice ahead of Premier League match
Phil Taylor has admitted he’s told Luke Littler that he’s ‘mental’ for not practising as night four of the Premier League looms, reports BritPanorama.
Littler has had a challenging start to this year’s tournament, with the 19-year-old securing only four points from his matches. The darts sensation, who previously triumphed in the competition back in 2024, has won just one match from encounters in Newcastle, Antwerp, and Glasgow.
Currently, Jonny Clayton and Michael van Gerwen stand as the leading contenders, having accumulated nine and eight points respectively. Littler, a two-time world champion, has acknowledged that he rarely practises; he believes that his natural talent should suffice.
Taylor, speaking with the Express, expressed astonishment at Littler’s approach but remains hopeful that the young player will find his form. “Last week, he went to Tenerife,” Taylor noted. “He was with me on the Sunday [at an exhibition], then went to Tenerife for two days, so that’ll knock you out. He obviously felt like he needed a break and a bit of sunshine.” Taylor further remarked on Littler’s decision not to practise after his trip, stating, “‘You’re mental, you are, I don’t know how you do it!'”
He cautioned that without practice, the competition could prove formidable. “If talent doesn’t work hard, hard work will beat talent,” he said, emphasizing that other players would be fully prepared. However, he also offered a note of encouragement, indicating that even with a slow start, it’s possible to turn things around. “I’ve done that myself, had a slow start and ended up winning it.”
Despite Littler’s struggles in the Premier League, he did achieve victory in Poland over the weekend, defeating Gian van Veen in the final, showcasing his potential. Taylor remains impressed by Littler’s capabilities, stating, “He is phenomenal, I can’t say a bad word about him.” He recalled a recent encounter where Littler, without any practice, secured a dominant 8-1 win against Luke Humphries, underscoring the teenager’s remarkable skill.
Littler is set to return to action in Belfast, facing Clayton, who aims to build on his recent success in Glasgow. Meanwhile, van Gerwen, who missed last week due to illness, will play against Gerwyn Price, with other matches featuring Stephen Bunting versus Luke Humphries and van Veen against Josh Rock.
With the stakes high in the Premier League, it remains clear how the interplay of talent and preparation can shape outcomes, reminding fans that even natural ability requires effort to shine. The darts world watches keenly as the young star seeks to rediscover his footing amidst formidable competition.
