PHIL TAYLOR has sensationally U-turned on a showdown with reigning world champion Luke Littler.
The darts legend, 64, had previously indicated he would be willing to take on The Nuke in an exhibition match.
Littler, 18, has a long way to go if he wants to emulate The Power’s remarkable record of 16 world titles.
The teenager won his first world crown last month after beating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final at Ally Pally.
Taylor retired from pro competition in 2018 but since has played on the Senior Tour and in exhibition games.
He told talkSPORT last May: “I’d play [Littler] in an exhibition, yeah. One leg of 301, I go first!”
But The Power appears to have had a dramatic re-think after Littler became the youngest world champion of all time.
Asked if he would face Littler, Taylor told GB News: “No. Absolutely not!
“What’s that game where you got to push the blocks out? Jenga.
“He beat me at that! The little b******! He’s a lovely lad, though.”
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Taylor fully retired from darts last year after undergoing hip surgery.
He has since taken up a punditry role with Pluto TV, providing expert analysis for the MODUS Super Series.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Furious Luke Littler launches darts case in anger as he leaves Premier League Darts stage after defeat to bogey opponent” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6369113320112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]But The Power has admitted that if the sport goes to Saudi Arabia, then the immense finances could tempt him back.
Taylor has suggested PDC chairman Barry Hearn could be prepared to offer an eye-watering £10MILLION in prize money for the winner.
Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “Would I come back?
“I would ask to be sent some darts and a dartboard, definitely.
“I think also, if it does go to Saudi Arabia, I wouldn’t put it past Barry – £10million for the winner.
“I think Saudi Arabia is that big of a sports country now, I think they could make it £10m.
“That’s how big I think Barry will make it. I’ll be doing something, trust me.”