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It was the last match of the group stage and the Unicorn star went in knowing only a victory would do….a defeat or draw would have allowed Ronnie Baxter to pinch that final qualifying spot. But Lloyd held his nerve against ‘Hawaii 501’ to book a semi-final showdown with Phil Taylor in Plymouth at the end of the month.

And Lloyd did it in real style – beating Mardle 8-4 – and winning the match with a 132 check-out…bull, bull, double 16.

Peter Manley’s hopes of reaching the last four again, were shattered by Ronnie Baxter. After Lloyd was beaten in the first match of the night by Raymond Van Barneveld, Manley went into the match knowing a win would be enough to see him through……but it wasn’t to be. One Dart didn’t live up to his nickname – hitting only four doubles from 21 attempts, as Baxter ran out an easy 8-4 winner.

Lloyd was a very happy man. “It is a huge relief. I am so pleased to win through after a really tough league. The 132 finish was just the icing on the cake!”

Unicorn’s star man Phil Taylor secured top spot with a comfortable 8-3 win over Roland Scholten. He has now gone an incredible 26 matches unbeaten since the Premier League started in January 2005. ‘The Power’ averaged only 93 but he did what he had to do.

It was another memorable night for Raymond Van Barneveld. He won all of his three matches – beating Lloyd, Mardle and Baxter. Barney will face Scholten in the other semi-final. His only defeat of course, came against Taylor in Doncaster….and Barney’s total of 46 180s was the best of the group stage.

Lloyd gave the Dutchman a real run for his money in the opening game of the night…..losing 8-6 but ‘Jaws’ 161 finish claimed the £1,000 bonus for the highest check out of night ten. Barneveld hit 147 and 144 and again averaged over 100. It meant Lloyd had to sweat it out for the next three hours before he knew his fate. He will now be aiming to beat Taylor for the first time on TV in Plymouth on May 29.

RESULTS;
Colin Lloyd 6-8 Raymond Van Barneveld
Peter Manley 4-8 Ronnie Baxter
Raymond Van Barneveld 8-5 Wayne Mardle
Phil Taylor 8-3 Roland Scholten
Ronnie Baxter 2-8 Raymond Van Barneveld
Wayne Mardle 4-8 Colin Lloyd

FINAL LEAGUE TABLE
Phil Taylor 23 points
Raymond Van Barneveld 21 points
Roland Scholten 10 points
Colin Lloyd 9 points
Ronnie Baxter 8 points
Peter Manley 8 points
Wayne Mardle 5 points

Lloyd’s victory also guarantees him at least £20,000 for reaching the semi-finals. The eventual winner will pocket £50,000 and the runner-up collects £30,000.

SEMI FINALS

Phil Taylor v Colin Lloyd

Raymond Van Barneveld v Roland Scholten

Unicorn’s Phil Taylor and Colin Lloyd now head to Holland to represent the PDC in the International Darts League. You will be able to catch up with their progress on the Unicorn website.

By

Stuart Pyke