Darts legend Colin Lloyd recently shared his insights on the sport’s future, current titans, and a rising star’s untapped potential. He believes three young talents – Mitchell Lawrie, Kaya Baysal, and especially Jack Johnson – are poised to follow in Luke Littler’s footsteps. Lloyd also backs Michael van Gerwen to win more major titles, praising his professionalism and enduring love for darts. Finally, he offers crucial advice to Cameron Menzies, suggesting that mastering emotional control is key to him reaching the sport’s top tier, potentially even the top 10.
The Next Generation: Darts’ Brightest Young Stars
Former World No.1 Colin Lloyd, a respected voice in darts, recently opened up about the sport’s most promising young talents. He identified three players who he believes are set to make a significant impact, potentially challenging the current hierarchy.
Mitchell Lawrie: Breaking Records
- Lloyd singles out Scotland’s Mitchell Lawrie as the absolute standout.
- Lawrie is reportedly breaking all of Luke Littler’s youth records.
- Lloyd expects Lawrie to attend Q-School in January, aiming for a professional tour card.
Kaya Baysal: Another Tour Card Contender
- Burnley’s Kaya Baysal is the second name Lloyd highlights.
- Both Lawrie and Baysal are tipped as genuine contenders for a PDC Tour Card next year, indicating their readiness for the professional circuit.
Jack Johnson: The 13-Year-Old Prodigy
Perhaps the most exciting prospect mentioned is Jack Johnson, currently just 13 or 14 years old. Lloyd is convinced Johnson will be a future star, pointing to his recent achievements:
- Johnson recently won the WDF UK Men’s Singles title.
- On his way to victory, he defeated two established PDC tour players: Martin Lukeman and Owen Bates.
Lloyd’s verdict on this trio is clear: “They’re players for the big stage, and they’re certainly the three big names to watch out for coming through the youth system.”
Michael van Gerwen: Still a Major Force?
Despite a recent dip in results, Colin Lloyd has unwavering faith in Michael van Gerwen’s ability to return to top form. While acknowledging personal circumstances that may have impacted MVG, Lloyd refrains from delving into private matters, focusing instead on the player’s professional attributes.
Lloyd describes Van Gerwen as “the consummate pro” who always makes time for fans. More importantly, he emphasizes MVG’s dedication to the game:
- “He’s also a 101% player when it comes to playing darts because he knows it’s given him a good life.”
- “He still loves the game of darts. And he’s just too good.”
Lloyd points to MVG’s two World Series victories earlier this year as proof of his enduring class. His strong belief is: “I still think there are a few majors left in Michael.” He concludes that whenever Van Gerwen is on his game, he remains “an absolute joy to watch” capable of producing breathtaking brilliance.
Ranking the Darts Immortals: Where Does Littler Stand?
When asked to rank the greatest players of all time based on their peak performance, Lloyd quickly names the familiar trio:
Taylor, Van Gerwen, Littler.
However, Lloyd adds a crucial caveat regarding Luke Littler’s current position:
“I have Luke Littler third at the minute. He’s only been on the circuit for two-and-a-bit years. You’ve got to look at someone like Phil Taylor – he had 25-30 years on the tour. MVG’s been on the tour a long while as well.” This highlights the importance of sustained success and longevity in achieving legendary status.
Cameron Menzies: Unlocking His True Potential
Colin Lloyd holds Cameron Menzies in high regard for his talent but offers a more measured assessment of his current standing. While not yet a top-three player, Lloyd believes Menzies “could definitely be in the top 10.” He describes Menzies as “a very, very good player” and a “heavy hitter.”
The Gary Anderson Comparison
To explain where Menzies can improve, Lloyd draws a parallel to the career of fellow Scot, Gary Anderson. Early in his career, Anderson was known for incredible scoring but inconsistent finishing on his doubles. “When he’s clicking out his doubles, he actually reminds me of someone like Gary Anderson,” Lloyd notes. Anderson’s breakthrough came when his finishing caught up to his scoring, leading to back-to-back world championships.
While Lloyd doesn’t predict Menzies will achieve what Anderson has, he sees a clear path for him to become a highly respected player: “He can certainly put himself in the frame where people are talking about him and talking about him for all the right reasons for being a great dart player.”
Lloyd also praises Menzies’ character, calling him “one of the nicest fellas you’ll ever meet in your life,” always making time for fans.
The Key to Success: Self-Control
Ultimately, Lloyd emphasizes that Menzies’ success hinges on personal responsibility and emotional control. He concludes with powerful advice:
“You can always give people advice, but ultimately, you have to do it yourself. You have to control your emotions, and when you get opportunities you have to grab them yourself because no one’s going to grab them for you.” This highlights that raw talent must be combined with mental fortitude to reach the pinnacle of darts.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
