Новости Unicorn

Stuart: “Well Sid, people are still shaking their heads in sheer disbelief at what happened to Colin. Where did it all go wrong?”

Sid: “I think it’s been latent for a while. Despite the brilliant 15 180s in the Blackpool Final, when he won the World Matchplay, Lloyd has problems in a ‘clutch’ situation. By that I mean, when a situation demands a fresh mental outlook, he sometimes seems confused. This showed up occasionally in the Premier League and is my explanation for why he lost his way at 2-0 up against Welding. His average dropped from well over 100 to 83 and 92, as Gary belted in 11 and 15 dart-legs. For me, not just 1st round nerves.”

Stuart: “The most worrying aspect for me Sid, is that Lloydy couldn’t respond when Welding found that purple patch. It was like he had nothing left.”

Sid: “Agreed but the problem is more complex. Lloyd’s rhythm is based on aiming all three darts into the 60 bed – on the same line. Perhaps he ought to pause more when the lie does not warrant a follow-up. A split second reflection, I reckon must be built into his game.”

Stuart: “So, where does he go from here? He came to the Circus Tavern as World No.1 and a lot of people were expecting ‘Jaws’ to take a bite at Taylor’s title.”

Sid: “I was glad to hear from Rod Harrington – Lloyd’s manager – that there was no panic reaction. Colin went home, had a cup of tea and an early kip! Others might just have shoved down some Johnny Walker’s or Joshua Tetley’s! After Colin’s defeat by Taylor in the final of the SkyBet World Grand Prix, Rod identified an exaggerated back swing, as the reason for a bad line of pitching. Now they must work on the psychological factor.”

Stuart: “Surely though Sid, he has the ability to come back from this. I still firmly believe that Lloyd will win a World Championship.”

Sid: “I am with you there 100 per cent. During the next 12 months, he has got to build in what Phil Taylor calls ‘the experience factor’. This means you can dig deep and be deadly accurate – even in the crucible that is The Circus Tavern. Sad to say, there will be a few hard knocks along the way.”

Stuart: “So let’s look into our crystal ball. The top half of the draw is now wide open. Unicorn’s Adrian Lewis looks a real threat to me. As for the bottom half, Taylor is surely the man to beat…..yet again.”

Sid: “Adrian is my tip for greatness. He is the full fired in the kiln Pottery package! He has the arrogance of Bristow, the charm of Jockey and the tempered steel of Taylor. I not only think he can beat Priestley next up but I think he can win the whole thing!

Stuart: “That’s a big prediction because you are normally the jinx when it comes to tipping Sidney!”

Sid: “Sometimes star quality is so bright, it burns off your retina. I say ee-eye-ADIO!! I will take the flak if Lewis blobs!

Meanwhile, the 2006 World Championships are over for ‘The Limestone Cowboy’. Unicorn’s former World champ Bob Anderson was sent to ‘boot hill’ by qualifier Andrew Hamilton.

Anderson had reached the semi-finals at The Circus in the last two years but produced only flashes of what we know he is capable of.

Bob led 2-1 and looked to have enough left in the locker. Hamilton – another off the Stoke production line – found his range to take it into a decider.

The final set went to a tie-break. Hamilton came up with an 11 dart leg and Anderson was out.

Kevin Painter flies the Unicorn flag against youngster Dale Newton on Thursday.