Phil Taylor, 64, reveals Luke Littler asked him to be his mentor as darts icon reveals he will enforce PlayStation ban

PHIL TAYLOR claims he was offered the opportunity to mentor Luke Littler.

But the Power reckons the 17-year-old superstar is so good he could make enough money playing darts to retire – when he’s 25!

3

3

Littler – who lost in the 2024 world darts final to Luke Humphries – grew up watching Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld battle each other in thrilling fashion on the PDC circuit.

And according to Taylor, the Warrington-born star’s team reached out to him for advice and tips on how to stay on top.

Taylor, a 16-time world darts champion, told talkSPORT: “With young Luke, they asked me if I would like to sit with him. I said, ‘Of course I will.’

“But I would have to go live with him for a few days, see what he does.

“I know young Luke, we have the same sponsor. If I spent time with him, I would see how he practices, I would see how he eats and exercises, how he does anything.

“If he’s playing on those PlayStations, I’d give him a set schedule, an hour a night or something, and then I’d get ready for the next day.

“Make sure you don’t stay up late and wake up in the morning and be devastated.

“I’ve seen it many, many times – players who have a drink afterwards, start drinking and don’t go to bed until 1 or 2 in the morning.”

BEST UK BOOKMAKER FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERSS

Following his incredible spell at Ally Pally over Christmas and New Year, the oche teenager won the Premier League and collected more than £700,000 in prize money.

Taylor mused: “Young Luke could probably retire when he’s 25 or 30!”

Taylor was due to play next month in the World Seniors Masters Darts event in Sunderland – it was said to be his last professional event after 37 years of competitive action.

However, he has shed his swan song appearance following hip surgery – his team says it is simply too painful and difficult for him to stand in an oche for hours.

There were rumors that he might make a U-turn and return in 2025, but this was quashed after the operation.

The former world number one said: “I’m retired now. Duly retired. I will make some personal appearances, some meet and greets. Sign autographs.

“My eyes started watering a few years ago. So I had a lens replacement. Then my hips went.

“It’s the travel, the number of tournaments in the PDC is crazy. You are literally away from home 4-5 days a week, every week. It’s very busy.

“It’s great for making money. But it’s not good for your family and your body.

“In my head, I’m still 18 years old. But my body is about 90 – that’s the problem!”

3