Darts icon Phil Taylor expressed surprise at Luke Littler’s minimal practice approach before defending his £1 million World Darts Championships title. Littler aims to join the elite group of players who have successfully retained the Sid Waddell Trophy. The prestigious darts event commences on Thursday night, with Littler facing off against Lithuanian player Darius Labanauskas in the first round.
Despite being just 18 years old from Warrington, Littler plans to enter the tournament with intentionally reduced practice, a decision that has astonished Taylor, a 16-time world champion. Taylor shared his thoughts on the situation during an interview on SunSport’s Flight Club, noting Littler’s unconventional preparation strategy.
Taylor emphasized the importance of mental readiness for players competing at Ally Pally, highlighting the mental aspect as the primary challenge in the sport. Reflecting on his own rigorous practice routine during his 31-year professional career, Taylor stressed the significance of mental preparation and avoiding over-practicing to maintain peak performance levels.
With the World Championships offering a substantial prize pool of £1 million this year, Taylor advised players to strike a balance in their practice sessions to ensure optimal performance throughout the three-week tournament. Taylor’s insights underscore the critical role of mental fortitude and strategic preparation in achieving success at the highest levels of darts competition.