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Phil Taylor says 'nothing' can stop Luke Littler ahead of World Championships

'Nothing' can stop Littler ahead of World Championships, says Taylor
'Nothing' can stop Littler ahead of World Championships, says TaylorJustin Setterfield / Getty Images via AFP
Darts legend Phil Taylor has tipped Luke Littler to dominate the sport, ahead of the World Championships in at Alexandra Palace in London.

'The Power' believes nothing can stop the teenage sensation, who was recently defeated by world number one Luke Humphries at the Players Championship Finals in Minehead.

But that was just a bump in the road for 'The Nuke', who won the Grand Slam of Darts by thrashing Martin Lukeman 16-3 a week prior.

"I absolutely loved it," said Taylor of Littler's triumph in Wolverhampton.

"He will become world number one soon. That is dead on, you can put your money on that... and your mortgage!"

To overthrow Humphries as world darts' number one any time soon, Littler will first need to win the World Championships.

The flagship tournament is set to start on December 15th.

"He definitely has the ability (to become world number one), and he’s got age on his side," said Taylor.

"Luke isn’t motivated by money, he just likes winning, so he will go into the World Championships and '£500,000 for the winner' won’t even enter his head."

Littler stands in front of a crowd
Littler stands in front of a crowdDavid Davies / PA Images / Profimedia

When asked whether anything could stop 17-year-old Littler from dominating the sport, Taylor answered: "Not really.

"With what he is doing, some people agree with it and some don’t, in the way he chills out... Luke does his 10 or 15 minutes of practice before a game and then he's done. 

"If it suits him then carry on because whatever he's doing is working for him."

Humphries to defend his title?

Fresh from beating Littler to the Players Championship Finals crown, Humphries will fancy his chances of retaining the world title at the Ally Pally.

Humphries celebrates his maiden World Championship crown
Humphries celebrates his maiden World Championship crownČTK / imago sportfotodienst / Ian Stephen

Littler and 'Cool Hand' Luke faced-off in last year's finale, with the latter claiming a 7-4 victory over the debutant.

But 'The Nuke' is now a year old and a year wiser - with three majors under his belt.

Taylor, who believes Littler could dominate the sport in years to come, says a fit-and-firing Humphries has got every chance of winning.

"It’s a funny time of the year as the weather is dropping," he said. "The temperature is always cold and you get all of the viruses coming out - the colds, the flu and everything.

"As long as (Humphries) goes in there all fit and healthy, he’s got every chance of retaining it.

"It depends on the draw as well with who gets who in the first and second round, and so on. There’s a lot more to it than just playing darts."

Follow the World Championships here.

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Quotes used in this article were provided by Casino Reviews.