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Unicorn’s World No.1 has lost two stones in weight in just two months and believes he is in the best shape of his life on and off the oche.

Lloyd is set to battle it out for the World Darts Trophy in Utrecht, as the PDC aim to make a big splash in Holland.

The last time the cream of the PDC were invited to play in a BDO tournament, Lloyd reached the final of the International Darts League – eventually losing out to Raymond Van Barneveld.

“I feel really good,” he said. “Losing all the weight was something I had to do. I have been doing lots of exercise, going on long walks, eating properly and have cut right down on the beer! It’s made a big difference.”

Since losing in the 1st round at the World Matchplay in Blackpool, Lloyd took a complete break from darts. “It was important to chill and relax and forget about darts for a while and it has done me the world of good. I feel the hunger has returned and there is a buzz about my darts again.”

Lloyd kicks-off the World Darts Trophy on Saturday afternoon in an all-Unicorn affair against Peter Manley and could meet Unicorn ace Phil Taylor in the quarter-finals. Taylor will be desperate to make a big impression in Holland after losing in the last eight of the IDL against Simon Whitlock.

‘The Power’ surge also starts on Saturday against Brian Sorensen, while Ronnie Baxter plays Paul Hogan….and in the pick of the 1st Round ties, Barneveld takes on Dutch wonder kid Michael Van Gerwen.

Whatever happens in the next few months, the pressure is off Lloyd to some degree, because he is guaranteed a spot in the 2007 Premier League….but it seems ‘Jaws’ is ready to bite and finish off 2006 in style.

You will be able to follow all the action from the World Darts Trophy in Utrecht, right here on the Unicorn website.

Next weekend, the PDC circus moves to Ireland for another big tournament….it’s the Ireland Open Classic and all the big names will be there, as they chase precious ranking points in the race for Premier League places.

World Darts Trophy – September 2 to 10

Draw:

Colin Lloyd v Peter Manley
Gary Anderson (1) v Ted Hankey
Brian Sorensen v Phil Taylor
John Walton (8) v Shaun Greatbatch
Ronnie Baxter v Paul Hogan
Martin Atkins (5) v Paul Hanvidge
Mike Veitch v Dirk Hespeels
Tony Eccles (4) v Jelle Klaasen
Dick Van Dijk v Tony O’Shea
Martin Adams (2) v Albertino Essers
Goran Klemme v Vincent Van Der Voort
Niels de Ruiter (7) v Mareno Michels
Gary Robson v Simon Whitlock
Michael Van Gerwen (6) v Raymond Van Barneveld
Co Stompe v Darryl Fitton
Mervyn King (3) v Tony Martin

Format:

1st Round: Best of five sets
2nd Round: Best of seven sets
Quarter-finals: Best of nine sets
Semi-finals: Best of 11 sets
Final: Best of 13 sets

(All five legs per set)

Prize money:

Winner: 45,000 euros
Runner-up: 22,500 euros
Beaten semi-finalists: 11,250 euros
Beaten quarter-finalists: 6,000 euros
2nd round losers: 3,000 euros
1st round losers: 2,000 euros

BY STUART PYKE