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'Luke Littler versus Phil Taylor will never happen and there's one reason why'

Phil Taylor and Luke Littler are the two most successful darts players in the sport's history, and fans are desperate to see them go head-to-head in a clash of the generations

[Luke Littler and Phil Taylor]

Luke Littler and Phil Taylor are yet to play each other(Image: Target Darts)

Phil Taylor vs Luke Littler is the dream match-up that's got every darts fanatic on the edge of their seat the ultimate battle between the legendary old guard and the fresh-faced world champ.

But Dennis Priestley, one of Taylor's toughest adversaries back in the day, reckons The Power won't be up for a face-off with the young gun.

Priestley, who duked it out with Taylor in four of the first five PDC World Darts Championship finals, nabbing the title once before Tylor went on an incredible run of eight straight wins, has more insight into Taylor's mindset than most.

After all, he spent years locking horns with him across the dartboard. Now at 74, Priestley's got his doubts about whether Taylor would ever fancy a throwdown with Littler. He's pretty sure fans shouldn't hold their breath, as Taylor's legacy is something he'd fiercely defend.

Chatting to OLBG, Priestley said: "Phil Taylor at his peak, mentally and physically, would give even the best version of Luke Littler a lot to think about," but he added, "But fans shouldn't expect to see it now.

[Dennis Priestley]

Dennis Priestley beat Phil Taylor in the 1994 World Darts Championship final(Image: (Image: Getty))

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"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, now 64, hung up his professional darts in 2018, leaving behind a record-smashing 14 world titles. That tally was once seen as unbeatable, but there's chatter in the air that Littler might just have what it takes to give it a run for its money, reports the Express.

Earlier this year, young dart sensation Littler was buzzing at the thought of squaring off with a legendary arrow slinger 46 years his senior.

[Luke Littler and Phil Taylor]

Luke Littler and Phil Taylor met for the first time in December(Image: Target Darts)

Chatting with SPORTbible, he spilled his excitement: "I'm sure that will happen soon," and confidently added, "Sooner rather than later. To share the stage with him will be incredible."

Littler's got big dreams and a game plan ready: "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."

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