Lloyd departs PDC circuit

Former world number one Colin Lloyd will not be present on the PDC circuit in 2016, after opting against competing at Q-School. The 42-year-old, who dropped out of the world’s top 64 earlier last year, was initially on the list of provisional entrants, but he has since withdrawn his entry.

Lloyd has enjoyed an illustrious career in the PDC, but the pinnacle came between 2004-2005, where he won the World Grand Prix in 2004, before winning the World Matchplay in 2005. ‘Jaws’ has also won a multitude of ranking events, and was the number one ranked player in the PDC less than a decade ago.

Lloyd, a builder by trade, won his first title in 2002 at the Antwerp Open, and his career has gone from strength-to-strength from this point onwards . He competed in the inaugural staging of the 2005 Holsten Premier League, and was runner-up to a certain Phil Taylor.

Lloyd also reached the final of the International Darts League in 2006, whilst he’s been a semi-finalist in the PDC World Championships, the European Championships, the UK Open and the Las Vegas Desert Classic.

Nevertheless, Lloyd has struggled to make an impact on the PDC circuit in recent years. His last ranking victory came at a Players Championship event in Crawley back in 2012, whilst his last major televised appearance was just over two years ago, at the 2014 World Championships.

As a consequence of failing to qualify for major TV events, Colin slipped to 121st on the PDC Order of Merit and subsequently lost his tour-card. After careful consideration, Lloyd decided not to participate in competitive PDC action in 2016.

In an exclusive interview with the PDC, Lloyd admitted:“It’s been a big decision for me and not one that I’ve taken lightly; but I’ve decided not to enter Qualifying School or compete this year. 

“The standard has continued to rise on the PDC circuit in recent years and despite giving it my all in every event I’ve played in, the reality is that I’ve not been good enough,” the former world number one added.

Nevertheless, Lloyd confirmed that his decision not to compete in 2016 doesn’t necessarily spell the end for him, and he even hinted at a possible return in the near future.“I still love the game and I’m still keeping busy on the exhibition circuit – and who knows, I might even return to competing in the PDC in the future too.” 

We wish Colin all the best for 2016, and hope to see him back competing on the big-stage very soon!