HAVE YOUR PHIL OF TITLES

Taylor says Littler has big head start if he wants to take record of world crowns

- MIKE WALTERS

PHIL TAYLOR has not ruled out Luke Littler surpassing his record stockpile of 16 world titles - because he's got a 12-year head start.

The 'Power' was exactly 29 years and four months old when he landed the first of his world championship crowns in 1990 by demolishing his mentor Eric Bristow in the final (right).

But Littler conquered the globe at 17 when he beat Michael van Gerwen to become the youngest darts world champion in history.

The Power was 52 when he wore the PDC World Championship crown for the last time in 2013.

Taylor watched Luke the Nuke go nuclear at Alexandra Palace on Friday night, and said: "It's entirely up to Luke how long he plays, how dedicated he remains and how many titles he wins.

"For now, just let the kid play.

He's a world champion at 17, and he's just brilliant.

"When people ask how many world titles he can win, don't forget he has all the time in the world, if he wants it.

"I was nearly 30 when I won my first world championship.