‘I was Phil Taylor’s arch-rival – I know exactly why Luke Littler clash will never happen’ | Other | Sport

Phil Taylor vs Luke Littler is the clash of old and new that every darts fan wants to see. But one of the Power’s fiercest former rivals, Dennis Priestley, is convinced that Taylor will never agree to a showdown against the reigning world champion.

Priestley and Taylor contested four of the first five PDC World Darts Championship finals, with Dennis ‘The Menace’ taking the first before Phil ‘The Power’ went on a stunning streak of eight consecutive title victories. That is to say, Priestley knows Taylor better than most, and he spent years getting to know him as a competitor.

The 74-year-old is therefore uniquely qualified to judge whether Taylor would ever step up to the oche in a match with Littler. And he thinks fans would be wise not to get their hopes up, as Taylor would do anything to protect his reputation.

“Phil Taylor at his peak, mentally and physically, would give even the best version of Luke Littler a lot to think about,” Priestley told OLBG. “But fans shouldn’t expect to see it now. There is one reason they won’t play and that’s because it would risk tarnishing his reputation. It would have to be silly money to get Phil to agree to it.”

Taylor, 64, has been out of the professional game since 2018. He finished his career with 14 world titles – a haul previously considered untouchable, but one which many now believe Littler could challenge.

Earlier this year, Littler gushed over the possibility of sharing the stage with a darting icon 46 years his senior. “I’m sure that will happen soon,” he told SPORTbible. “Sooner rather than later. To share the stage with him will be incredible.

“I’m sure we’ll make it happen. If Taylor does start practicing then it will be tough, but if he just sits at home and then comes to an exhibition then I fancy my chances.”

However, Taylor pushed back on the idea weeks later, telling GB News: “No! Absolutely not! What’s that game where you’ve got to push the blocks out? Jenga. He beat me at that! The little b******! He’s a lovely lad, though.”

Taylor’s reference became clear on April Fool’s Day, when a much-hyped clash between the darting veteran and young gun Littler turned out to be a Jenga match rather than the meeting on the oche everyone was hoping for.