Новости Unicorn

Unicorn’s Phil Taylor and Colin Lloyd are the top two seeds and many believe they will go head-to-head on January 2 for the biggest prize in darts and a winners cheque of £100,000.

Taylor is in no mood to relinquish his crown. “I have played some of the best darts of my life in 2005. The dedication is still there and I am as motivated now, as I’ve ever been,” he warned.

Lloyd is equally bullish. “Phil is a winner and so am I. I have never been better prepared. He feels the pressure, just like we all do but I am in the mood!”

‘The Power’ is hoping to surge to an astonishing 13th World Title. Lloyd is chasing his first. His best showing at The Circus Tavern came in 2002, when he reached the semi-finals, before losing 6 sets to 4 to Unicorn’s Peter Manley.

There was heartache 12 months ago for the 32-year-old from Essex, when he completely lost his way in a remarkable quarter-final against Wayne Mardle. Lloyd threw away a 4-1 lead and lost 5-4.

“I learnt a big lesson that day and I believe my performances in 2005 have proved I am a much better player,” he said.

Over the last 12 years, the World Championships have become Taylor-made! He has won 61 out of 63 matches at Purfleet. His only two defeats came in the 1994 and 2003 finals against Dennis Priestley and John Part.

Taylor has been practicing three hours a day for weeks with his protégé Adrian Lewis. The bookies have slashed the odds on Lewis to 20/1.

Team Unicorn’s Young Gun is tipped for an impressive debut at the World Championships. He is in action on Monday afternoon – facing qualifier Dave Honey in the 1st round.

It is only a few weeks ago that Lewis completed a remarkable double in Scotland - winning both the Players Championships event and the UK Open Regional.

“He is looking very sharp,” revealed Taylor. “He hit a 9-darter against me in practice the other day and nearly nailed two more!”

Lloyd also believes Lewis will be a major player. “I could meet Adrian in the semi-finals! That would be some game! He is looking very good.”

Peter Manley – twice beaten finalist at Purfleet – could also mount a threat, if he can get over his 1st Round jinx. He was on the wrong end of one of the biggest shocks in the history of the World Championships 12 months ago, when he lost to Dutch qualifier Josephus Schenk.

He faces another qualifier on Tuesday night in veteran left-hander Kevin Spiolek.

It was back in January 2003 that Unicorn’s Canadian star John Part finally realised his dream in one of the greatest finals ever seen. His victory over Taylor gave him a second World crown. By his own high standards, Part hasn’t been at his best over the last 18 months but rule him out of the reckoning at your peril.

Expect John to come to the Part-y in Purfleet. China’s Liu Cheng ‘An shouldn’t prove an obstacle and he could face a rejuvenated Chris Mason in the 2nd round.

Kevin Painter also has a point to prove. He will be the first to admit that he has struggled to find the form which took him to within one leg of the World Championship title against Taylor in 2004.

But since the birth of his daughter Madison this year, ‘The Artist’ has been creating again!

And what about the oldest tungsten slinger in town? Bob Anderson has rolled back the years reaching the semi-finals of the last two World Championships. ‘The Limestone Cowboy’ always finds something extra at The Circus Tavern. He saddles up against qualifier Andy Hamilton in a repeat of last year’s quarter-final.

Unicorn Young Gun James Wade is desperate to put the record straight after several disappointing performances on the big stage. His 1st round exit to Mark Holden 12 months ago will surely only serve to inspire this time round. He should see off qualifier Wayne Jones.

One thing is for sure – Team Unicorn will be in the thick of the action, come the business end of the 2006 Ladbrokes.com World Championships.

You can follow the action with news, comment and of course Sid Waddell’s diary every day on the website.

The action is live on Sky Sports from Monday December 19. All 32 matches in the 1st round will be completed by Thursday December 22 and the 2nd Round gets under way on Boxing Day.