POWER OFF
Darts legend Phil Taylor, 64, makes incredible U-turn over playing ‘little b*****d’ Luke Littler in exhibition
Taylor won 16 world titles in his glittering career
PHIL TAYLOR has sensationally U-turned on a showdown with reigning world champion Luke Littler.
The darts legend, 64, had previously indicated he would be willing to take on The Nuke in an exhibition match.
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Littler, 18, has a long way to go if he wants to emulate The Power's remarkable record of 16 world titles.
The teenager won his first world crown last month after beating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final at Ally Pally.
Taylor retired from pro competition in 2018 but since has played on the Senior Tour and in exhibition games.
He told last May: "I’d play [Littler] in an exhibition, yeah. One leg of 301, I go first!"
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But The Power appears to have had a dramatic re-think after Littler became the youngest world champion of all time.
Asked if he would face Littler, Taylor told "No. Absolutely not!
"What's that game where you got to push the blocks out? Jenga.
"He beat me at that! The little b******! He's a lovely lad, though."
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Taylor fully retired from darts last year after undergoing hip surgery.
He has since taken up a punditry role with Pluto TV, providing expert analysis for the MODUS Super Series.
Furious Luke Littler launches darts case in anger as he leaves Premier League Darts stage after defeat to bogey opponent
But The Power has admitted that if the sport goes to Saudi Arabia, then the immense finances could tempt him back.
Taylor has suggested PDC chairman Barry Hearn could be prepared to offer an eye-watering £10MILLION in prize money for the winner.
Speaking to , he said: “Would I come back?
"I would ask to be sent some darts and a dartboard, definitely.
Luke Littler prize money breakdown
Here is all the prize money Luke Littler has won so far after being crowned 2025 PDC World Darts Championship winner:
World Championship 2025 - £500,000
World Championship 2024 - £200,000
Grand Slam of Darts 2024 - £150,000
European Tour - £91,000
Player Championships events - £71,500
Players Championship final runner-up - £60,000
UK Open 2023 + 2024 - £17,500
World Matchplay - £10,000
World Grand Prix - £7,500
European Championship - £7,500
(Unranked) Premier League Darts - £315,000
TOTAL: £1.43 million
"I think also, if it does go to Saudi Arabia, I wouldn’t put it past Barry - £10million for the winner.
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"I think Saudi Arabia is that big of a sports country now, I think they could make it £10m.
"That’s how big I think Barry will make it. I’ll be doing something, trust me."
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