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Luke Littler downplays comparisons to 16-time world champion Phil Taylor

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Michael Smith (left) and Luke Littler hug after their Premier League Darts matchImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Michael Smith beat Luke Littler on the opening night of the Premier League Darts in Cardiff in February

Premier League of Darts

Venue: Utilita Arena, Newcastle Date: Thursday, 22 February Time: 19:00 GMT

Coverage: Live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.

Luke Littler says the comparisons with Phil Taylor are "crazy", and that he does not see the darts legend's records being broken.

Littler, 17, made headlines with his astonishing run to the final of the PDC World Darts Championship in January.

His performances led ex-world champion and current world number three Michael Smith to say that he could surpass the 16-time world champion's achievements.

"I'm still gobsmacked that I'm here," Littler said.

In addition to his 16 world titles - which included eight in a row - the now-retired Taylor, 63, won a record 85 major tournaments.

"I don't think anyone's beating that record. It's just crazy, crazy to think of me being bigger than Phil," Littler added.

Littler, from Warrington, has built on his World Championship success by winning the Bahrain Masters and hitting a nine-darter in winning the Players Championship, while he has also competed in Premier League Darts.

He has secured a PDC tour card and climbed to 30th in the world rankings.

His World Championship run saw him beat legends of the game in Raymond van Barneveld and Rob Cross, and his Premier League contests have seen him face former world champions Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price and Smith.

"I just love playing in front of a crowd," he added.

"I enjoy trying my best to put on a performance and I know I can play against the best. I've broken into the top 32, so hopefully I'm here for many years to come."

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