Bobby George and Chris Mason have differing views on Luke Littler versus a peak Phil Taylor (Image: Getty)
A legend’s claim that a prime would not have lived with has branded “b******s”. A dream match between the Power and the Nuke by the pair’s equipment supplier and sponsors, Target Darts.
Given Taylor, 64, recently retired from competitive darts, having stepped away from the PDC in 2018, few would bet against the current world champion, who recently added the UK Open to his burgeoning CV. However, Littler now and a peak Taylor would be far closer in the view of many. Not according to darts maverick Bobby George, 79, a legend of the BDO for 30 years. He told “Taylor was a great player, don’t get me wrong.
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“But I don’t think he would have beaten Littler, even in his heyday, because his scoring power is so good. His finishing is unbelievable.
“The only way he [Taylor] could probably have a chance of beating him is to take the double 10 off the board because that’s what he can hit every time.
“He’s got double 10 or double top, bang, straight in. Taylor was a great player but not as good as Littler. That’s my opinion, mind you.”
George’s verdict has been rubbished by one of Taylor’s former rivals, Chris Mason, who called it “absolute b******s”. He told It’s b******s because it’s b******s because the stats don’t [lie]…
A match between Taylor and Littler is on the cards (Image: Getty)
“This game gives us numbers. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Players being put under it [pressure], and they wilt. That didn’t happen to Taylor, he would get stronger.
“The averages are comparable. Taylor still has averages – on inferior boards – which still stack up against the elite of the last eight years. That’s why it’s b******s, I’m afraid.
“If you’re on about now, it’s a mismatch. But Taylor had tournament averages of 108 and 105. He averaged 113 against me over 24 legs. This isn’t an opinion, just do a bit of research, dig a bit deeper.
“How good would Taylor have been in this era? And pushed a bit harder and playing in all these events. I love Bobby to bits but that is just so wrong.”
Mason has rubbished George’s claims (Image: Online Darts)
George advised Taylor against facing Littler now, even in a light-hearted exhibition. He said: “The thing is, he’s retired. He’s played in the Seniors and he can’t even win in the Seniors.
“So playing a guy that’s one of the greatest players in the world at this time, he’s got no chance. If he does it for the money, then all right, take the bees and honey.
“But he takes all the credit for what he’s done, and a young guy of 18 beats him up. He ain’t got a chance, he’s too good, the young boy, he’s too good.”