Phil Taylor, the 16-time world darts champion, has praised Luke Littler for his grounded approach to prize money, describing it as 'refreshing'. The 18-year-old, who won the Grand Slam of Darts last year and went on to become the PDC's youngest world champion, is on course to retain his title in Wolverhampton.
Taylor, who was one of Littler's childhood idols, spoke to the teenager at a Target Darts event ahead of last year's Grand Slam. He told talkSPORT: 'Money isn't his motivation, believe it or not, he isn't really that bothered. He is a typical teenager and he isn't motivated by prize money. It's great, don't get me wrong, and he's secure. He's more interested in looking after his mother and father in tournaments.'
Since becoming world champion, Littler has won the UK Open, the World Matchplay and the World Grand Prix. He has banked nearly £2 million in prize money in under two years. Victory in the Grand Slam would see him defend a major title for the first time and could also propel him to world number one, dethroning Luke Humphries.
Littler, who faces Dutch talent Wessel Nijman in the second round on Thursday, said recently: 'Until I get that world No.1 spot, I will never call myself the best in the world. I don't want to think about it too much, but I could be world No.1 before the World Championship.'
