Phil Taylor, 64, Provides Health Update After Hip Surgery and Retirement: ‘The Mind is Strong, But the Body Fails’

Phil Taylor has stated that he welcomes the possibility of his extraordinary record of world titles being surpassed, expressing confidence that young talent Luke Littler is in prime position to achieve this feat.

This past year, Taylor’s enthusiasm for darts has been rekindled by the rivalry between the two Lukes, Littler and world No.1 Humphries.

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Prior to this, he frequently opted to deactivate Sky Sports and separate himself from the sport that had greatly influenced his life for four decades.

Taylor, who stepped away from professional darts after the 2018 world final, still holds the standard with his sixteen world titles, including 14 in the PDC and 2 in the BDO.

Littler, the runner-up from last year, is just 17 years old but is favored to win the Sid Waddell Trophy on the third day of the New Year.

When asked if his record of 16 world titles would remain safe, Taylor, now 64, remarked: “I hope so. You never know. If someone surpasses it, it wouldn’t bother me.”

He further shared, “It can certainly happen. Luke has the advantage of youth.”

“The competition is much tougher today. I likely won 10 world championships with a less demanding schedule than what players face now.”

“Since Luke Littler became a world runner-up and started winning tournaments, I’ve seen more media coverage than during my own winning days.”

“Every time I log into Google News, there I am. It’s amazing.”

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Taylor, who last clinched a world title 11 years ago, will be watching from home as Littler takes on underdog Ian White—who is 37 years his senior—in round three.

He remarked, “Luke’s ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. I admire his approach to the game. He’s not chasing money; he’s motivated by titles.”

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“He emphasizes enjoying the game. If he doesn’t win, he doesn’t dwell on it,” Taylor added. “He simply moves on to the next opportunity.”

He advised Littler to be cautious of complacency.

“I used to call it the Manchester United syndrome since they rarely had an easy match.”

“I never encountered an easy game either; my opponents always played their best against me. Every competitor Luke faces will either excel or struggle. There won’t be any middle ground.”

“They will be eager to excel because they have the chance to earn good prize money and gain significant recognition.”

Not long ago, the biggest name in darts might not have even tuned in to watch the sport he once ruled.

However, his perspective has changed this year, and he intends to follow every throw over the next six days of competition.

Taylor stated, “I’m enjoying my time with darts once again. I plan to watch almost every match of the World Championships at Alexandra Palace.”

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“What excites me is the quality of the players, particularly the emerging younger ones, especially the two Lukes. I have great admiration for them both.”

“They offer a new perspective and are a joy to watch.”