Phil Taylor, the iconic figure of darts who amassed sixteen world championships before hanging up his competitive darts in 2018, has stepped into the role of mentor for the sport’s newest sensation, Luke Littler. The 19‑year‑old world number one recently found himself the target of relentless boos and whistles from Dutch fans during the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam, a tournament that halted his quest for a clean sweep of all major PDC titles in 2026. In response, Taylor told Sky Sports News that Littler must learn to coexist with the vocal opposition and even turn it to his advantage. Taylor’s advice was blunt and practical: “Littler has got to get used to the boos.
Go in there and turn the crowd. Sometimes if you play well and you start hitting your 140s and 180s, your big finishes, the crowd will turn and don’t react to it, but he does react.” The former champion emphasized that a player’s reaction to hostility can either fuel the crowd’s negativity or defuse it. By staying composed, delivering high scores, and ignoring the jeers, a darts professional can gradually win over even the most skeptical spectators.
He added that Littler’s youth and confidence are assets, not liabilities. “He’s young and he’s a little bit cocky at times but that’s good, that’s confidence.
He just has to accept that crowds will be on his back for a while, but they will get bored with it,” Taylor explained. The veteran urged the rising star to keep focusing on his game, to let the boos wash over him, and to celebrate his victories with a touch of flair once he secures a win. Taylor also highlighted that Littler is in a unique position compared to many of his predecessors.
“Littler doesn’t have responsibilities. He can just go up there and enjoy himself and win tournaments. Go up there, enjoy it, take no notice of the crowd, which isn’t easy, obviously, but work out a way of turning the crowd around.” The former champion believes that by treating each match as an opportunity to entertain and by staying indifferent to the noise, Littler can transform a hostile environment into a supportive one.
Beyond crowd management, Taylor spoke about the technical side of Littler’s game. He praised the Warrington prodigy’s natural talent and suggested that continued practice will only sharpen his edge. “I would have loved him to have been about… any player that used to come through I used to love anyway because I looked at ways of raising my game,” Taylor said, drawing a parallel between his own relentless pursuit of excellence and Littler’s current trajectory. The 66‑year‑old also used a colourful metaphor, likening the mental battle to a Rocky Balboa‑style fight: “You have to be a bit like Rocky Balboa by getting the chicken out and chasing it down the garden.” In other words, perseverance and a willingness to confront adversity head‑on are essential for sustained success.
Taylor noted that other players are already studying Littler’s style and that the increased scrutiny could add mental pressure. “What players are doing now is that they’re watching him and they’re jumping on him.
Players are getting used to him and they will improve, which will put more mental pressure on Luke. He might then think, ‘I need to practise a bit more,’ so he’s doing things to improve his game whereas before he’s going in there and not thinking about it.” This feedback loop, Taylor suggested, could be a catalyst for even greater development.
When asked whether anyone could ever eclipse his own record of sixteen world titles, Taylor was realistic but optimistic. “To win 16 world titles you’ve got to be very professional and you’ve got to do it for at least 25 years, I’d say. It will be very difficult to match me but whoever has got talent can do it.” His comment underscored the rarity of such longevity and the extraordinary dedication required to stay at the top. Former PDC chairman Barry Hearn also weighed in, describing Littler as a “natural‑born darts player” whose success is already reshaping his family’s future.
Hearn stressed that boos are part of the professional landscape, especially when a player competes abroad. “When was the last time you saw a penalty being taken in the home end by the visitors?
Was it quiet or did they boo? You’ve got to get used to this sort of thing.
It’s part and parcel of being a professional.” Hearn referenced past examples such as Peter Manley and Gerwyn Price, both of whom endured sustained heckling before eventually winning the crowd’s affection. “Manley was the first one I came into contact with, but of late, Price got a lot of stick. He smiled back at them and today, he’s one of the world’s most popular players. Luke has to concentrate on that more, showing that it doesn’t affect him,” Hearn explained.
The message was clear: resilience and a positive response can transform detractors into supporters. The broader darts community continues to rally around its stars. Sky Sports, the primary broadcaster for the sport, will showcase upcoming marquee events such as the World Grand Prix (running until October 4), the Grand Slam of Darts (November 14‑22), and the World Darts Championship (December 10‑January 3). Fans can stream all action via the NOW platform, ensuring that the excitement of darts reaches a global audience.
In summary, Phil Taylor’s counsel to Luke Littler is a blend of practical crowd‑management tactics, encouragement to maintain confidence, and a reminder that greatness is forged through perseverance. By embracing the boos, focusing on high‑scoring finishes, and learning from the experiences of past champions, Littler has the opportunity to not only silence his critics but also to cement his place among the sport’s elite. The journey ahead will be challenging, but with seasoned mentors like Taylor and supportive figures such as Hearn behind him, the young English star is well‑positioned to turn every whistle into a stepping stone toward further triumphs.