Новости Unicorn

After last year’s shock quarter-final exit, it is difficult to look beyond a hungry Phil Taylor claiming an 8th Blackpool title but as we know, ‘The Power’ has lost a bit of his spark in the last two ‘Major’ tournaments – beaten by Raymond Van Barneveld in the quarter-finals of the UK Open and Las Vegas Desert Classic…..so often though, this is when Taylor is at his most dangerous – with his back to the wall.

Maybe, just maybe Team Unicorn stablemate Bob Anderson will fancy his chances of a big upset in Monday night’s 1st Round clash. Taylor certainly struggled 12 months ago – just scraping past Dennis Priestley, before crashing out to John Part. There is no doubt the pressure will be on Taylor to perform….and he will no doubt be delighted that Barney isn’t at the Winter Gardens this year – their great rivalry on hold for the moment!

But there will be pressure too on Unicorn’s World No.1 Colin Lloyd, as he sets out on his quest to defend his prized World Matchplay crown.

Last year at The Winter Gardens, Lloyd played the best darts of his life and who will ever forget that amazing 170 check-out to win the final against John Part.

“I feel good,” he said. “Nice and relaxed and I have been throwing well in practice. I will never forget last year but it is a massive challenge to defend a major title…I believe I am up to that challenge.”

And Lloyd has taken an angry swipe at the critics, who are writing him off. “Yes, I have been a bit stale of late but those people – some of them players – have no idea. I have had a lot of other things going on in my life – a few personal issues – but they are all sorted now and my head is clear, ready to produce the darts that win me tournaments.”

He added: “For those players who may be thinking I am past it, let me say I will come back to haunt them. They will learn the hard way!”

Lloyd may have been disappointing at the World Championships, Premier League, UK Open and Las Vegas but he is still winning tournaments away from the TV. “Some people tend to forget that,” he said. “It has been difficult to stay focused because of the personal problems and that isn’t an excuse – it is a fact. I am determined, more than ever, to perform in Blackpool.”

He also loves to be by the seaside! In the last four years, Lloyd has won the tournament, reached two semi-finals and a quarter-final. “It is just a brilliant venue and brilliant atmosphere. It is the tournament for the real darts fans and they make the event so special. I am determined to put on a show!”

For Unicorn star Kevin Painter though, the World Matchplay has been a hoodoo event. ‘The Artist’ has never been past the 2nd round and reached an all-time Blackpool low last year, when he lost heavily in the 1st round to Adrian Lewis.

Painter’s previous rock-bottom came in 2003. After his shock 1st round exit at the hands of Alex Roy, he came close to quitting darts altogether because he was so exasperated and angry and felt his career was at a crossroads.

But it is a new Painter who bids to bury his Blackpool demons in 2006. “I can honestly say that I am feeling as good about myself and my game as I have in two years. My fortune in Blackpool has to change and I really believe this is the time. I don’t normally back myself and claim I am going to do this or that but I just have a gut feeling that Kevin Painter is ready for a great tournament.”

Painter is the first to admit that he hasn’t hit the heights since his epic World Championship Final against Phil Taylor in 2004. Many people expected him to kick on and start winning the big titles. “That’s fair comment,” he admitted. “But I have had quite a few problems away from darts, which clearly took their toll, although I didn’t quite realise it at the time.”

Kevin endured some personal problems, then he was out of action after needing surgery on his knee and ankle…..then he was rushed into hospital to have his gall bladder removed and if that’s not enough, he also became a dad for the first time!

“I am the first to admit that I should have pushed on but now there are no excuses. I still believe the big tournament wins are in my destiny. I am going into the World Matchplay in my best shape for two years…that means I am mentally spot on and playing well, so don’t write me off!”

Painter knows he needs a big week because he has slipped down to No.11 in the world rankings and he has a big challenge ahead if he is to claim a place in the top six by the end of October – and clinch a place in the 2007 Premier League. He plays in-form Welsh star Barrie Bates in the opening round on Monday night.

The highlight of the opening night sees an all-Unicorn clash between John Part and Wes Newton. Part’s brilliant return to form with his victory at the Las Vegas Desert Classic, should make him slight favourite to set-up a possible 2nd round showdown with Taylor.

James Wade will surely never have a better chance to break his TV tournament 1st round jinx. He takes on Denis Ovens. Adrian Lewis, who reached the quarter-finals last year as a qualifier will be hotly fancied for another good run. He will be a big favourite against Matt Clark. Peter Manley will have to be at his best against an in-form Andy Hamilton and Lewis and Manley could clash head-on in the 2nd round…..memories will come flooding back of their controversial quarter-final at the World Championships seven months ago.

You will be able to get regular news reports every day from Blackpool, right here on the Unicorn website. There will also be brand new editions of the not-to-be missed Sid’s Diary, as our very own Mr Waddell gives his unique slant on events! On top of that, Stuart Pyke will be bringing you his own thoughts on the week in his brand new column PYKE SPEAK.

So, make sure you keep in touch with the Unicorn website all week….it should be another fantastic tournament!

BY STUART PYKE