Darts icon Phil Taylor was amazed to discover Luke Littler’s minimal practice approach before defending the £1m World Darts Championships title. Littler aims to join a select group by retaining the Sid Waddell Trophy, with the prestigious event kicking off Thursday night where he faces Lithuanian Darius Labanauskas in the first round.
Despite being just 18 years old from Warrington, Littler plans to enter the tournament with minimal practice, surprising the 16-time world champion Taylor. Taylor shared his thoughts on SunSport’s Flight Club, noting Littler’s unconventional preparation strategy but expressing confidence in his potential, especially if he progresses past the initial round.
Recalling a recent encounter in Finland, Taylor highlighted Littler’s self-assuredness, noting his refusal to engage in extensive practice sessions. Taylor emphasized the mental aspect of the sport, stressing the importance of early mental preparation and avoiding over-practicing, particularly with the allure of the substantial £1m prize pool this year.
Throughout his extensive darts career, Taylor was known for his rigorous practice regimen but acknowledged the significance of mental readiness. He advised players to focus on mental preparation and adequate rest, cautioning against excessive practice leading up to the championship to ensure peak performance during the three-week event.