Luke Littler, still just 18, returns to the stage where he etched his name into darts history, defending the World Championship title he sensationally claimed last year. The young champion faces Mensur Suljovic, a formidable opponent, as he begins his quest for back-to-back victories.
But even as Littler’s star continues to rise, a legend of the game, Raymond van Barneveld, offers a compelling perspective. While unequivocally declaring Littler the “best player” currently dominating the oche, van Barneveld believes a peak-form Phil Taylor would have proven too strong.
Taylor’s reign was an era of unparalleled dominance, a staggering collection of over 200 professional titles, including a record-shattering 16 World Championships. The memory of his incredible nights – like the one where he landed two nine-darters in a single match – still resonates deeply within the sport.
Van Barneveld marvels at Littler’s meteoric ascent, recalling how, even at 16, the young prodigy was challenging the very best. His victory last year wasn’t a fluke; it was the culmination of relentless improvement, underscored by a Premier League title and a near miss the following year.
What’s most striking, according to van Barneveld, is Littler’s composure. He’s a player who appears unfazed by the pressure, often seen relaxing and playing games on his phone backstage. This calm demeanor is a key to his success, but van Barneveld wonders what will happen when inevitable challenges arise.
The core of van Barneveld’s argument lies in control. While Littler thrives in a certain rhythm, Taylor possessed an unmatched ability to dictate the pace of a match, unsettling opponents and seizing control. Few players, van Barneveld suggests, ever truly brought their absolute best against “The Power.”
Despite acknowledging Taylor’s historical supremacy, van Barneveld firmly believes Littler is the player to beat *now*. Victories at the Matchplay and UK Open demonstrate his current form, and his defeat of Michael van Gerwen in last year’s World Championship final cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with.
The Alexandra Palace arena is brimming with contenders, including the ever-dangerous Michael van Gerwen and rising stars like Gian van Veen and Josh Rock. But all eyes remain on Luke Littler, the young champion who has captivated the darts world and redefined what’s possible.
