Miserly: Phil Taylor Names Surprise Star Who Could be ‘Nightmare’ for Luke Littler

Phil Taylor has backed former nemesis Peter Wright to become a ‘nightmare’ for his darts rivals.

By Wright’s lofty standards, his performances in 2024 weren’t up to scratch.

The 54-year-old made four first-round exits at ranked televised PDC events and was bundled out of the 2024 World Darts Championship in the second round.

Wright also finished bottom of the ladder in last year’s Premier League, winning just two of 18 matches.

As a result of his miserly form, Wright was not invited back to the Premier League for this year’s tournament.

However, the Scot showed glimmers of hope he could rediscover the form that made him a two-time world champion by reaching the quarter finals of the 2025 World Darts Championship.

During Taylor’s playing career, he enjoyed a healthy rivalry with Wright as the pair faced off 36 times.

Taylor had his rival’s number, winning 22 of those while Wright picked up 11 victories.

Despite his losing record against the 16-time world champion, Wright was somewhat upset when Taylor stepped away from the oche in 2018.

Speaking to MODUS Super Series, Taylor revealed why that was the case and how it could spell danger for the likes of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries.

“I don’t think he (Wright) wanted me to retire because he always wanted someone to aim at,” Taylor said.

“Peter loves if somebody is playing better, like Luke Littler at the minute, or Luke Humphries. That will inspire Peter and it will also inspire Michael van Gerwen as well.

“I predict he’s going to be a nightmare for these players next year. When he gets the hump and he gets on that practice board, he’s brilliant.

“So I think the two Luke’s are going to have a tough year this year.”

Regardless of Wright being able to rekindle his form from years past, Taylor will certainly be tuning in.

That’s largely down to the emergence of Littler and his burgeoning rivalry with Humphries.

Prior to the two Luke’s taking over darts, Taylor conceded he had lost interest in the sport.

But the pair have reeled the 16-time world champion back in.

“It’s made me watch darts again,” Taylor said.

“I’d gone off darts a little bit. I was watching the same players I played with for ten years.

“So I went off it a little bit, then the Luke’s have come through. It’s made it exciting for me.

“Then you’ve got a few new faces who are playing really, really well from different countries.”