Discover the fascinating story of Colin ‘Jaws’ Lloyd, a darts legend who held the PDC World Number One spot for over 660 days in 2005-2006. His reign wasn’t just about major titles; it was a testament to his relentless dedication to the tour and the unique ‘points-based’ ranking system of that era. This system rewarded consistent participation and performance across many events, showcasing a different path to the top before prize money became the sole measure of success.
Colin “Jaws” Lloyd: A Reign Forged by Points
Our journey through the history of PDC World Number Ones reveals diverse paths to the top, and few are as distinct as that of Colin “Jaws” Lloyd. His time at the summit, spanning most of 2005 and 2006, offers a unique insight into a period when the PDC tour was rapidly evolving, and its ranking system rewarded consistency and commitment in a very particular way.
The Ascent to World Number One
Colin Lloyd holds a remarkable position, sitting sixth on the all-time list with approximately 666 days as PDC World Number One. His initial climb to the top began on February 27, 2005, propelled by a string of strong performances on the Pro Tour, including a victory at the West Tyrone Open. He maintained this coveted position for an impressive 469 consecutive days.
While the legendary Phil Taylor briefly interrupted his reign for a mere seven days – still the shortest consecutive spell at the top in PDC history – Lloyd quickly reclaimed his spot on June 18, 2006, holding it for another 197 days until the end of the year. He finally ceded the ranking after the 2007 World Championship, coinciding with the shift to the modern, purely prize-money based Order of Merit.
More Than Just Points: Major Titles and Iconic Moments
Unlike some earlier Number Ones, Lloyd’s tenure wasn’t solely built on Pro Tour consistency. He also secured significant televised major titles during this period, solidifying his status as a top-tier player:
- 2004 World Grand Prix Champion: “Jaws” triumphed over Alan Warriner-Little in the final.
- 2005 World Matchplay Champion: Shortly after becoming world number one, he clinched this prestigious title in unforgettable fashion. In the final against John Part, he executed a stunning 170 checkout to seal the victory – a moment still celebrated as one of the era’s most iconic finishes.
He also reached the Premier League final in 2005 and made several deep runs in other major tournaments, proving his ability to perform on the biggest stages.
The Power of Consistency: Understanding the Points System
While his major wins were crucial, the sheer volume of points that kept Lloyd at the top originated from his relentless presence on the non-televised circuit. Under the old points system, there was no limit to how many tournaments contributed to a player’s ranking. This meant that dedicated players who consistently traveled and competed in numerous ranking events could accumulate more points than those who focused primarily on the bigger, televised majors.
Critics sometimes debated whether this system truly identified the “best” player at any given moment. However, Lloyd himself always maintained a pragmatic view: he worked exceptionally hard, committed fully to the tour, and earned the points that the system was designed to reward.
Supporting the Tour: A Vital Role in PDC History
Lloyd’s dedication to playing the full calendar was far more significant than it might appear today. In its early years, the PDC faced an uphill battle to establish itself, expand, and provide a viable income for its players. Players’ entry fees and their spending on travel, food, and accommodation were essential incentives for venues to host competitions at all.
Therefore, Colin Lloyd’s two-year reign as World Number One serves as a crucial bridge. It connects the era of early pioneers like Warriner-Little, Priestley, Harrington, and Manley with the subsequent “pure prize-money” era. His time at the top represents not only an immense personal achievement but also a vivid snapshot of a ranking system that equally valued unwavering consistency and commitment to the entire tour calendar alongside the glory of major silverware.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
