Colin Lloyd stands among the most accomplished Scottish players in professional darts history. Known by his nickname “Jaws,” he reached the summit of the sport in the early 2000s, capturing multiple major titles and holding the world number one ranking. This article traces his journey from county-level competition to PDC stardom, examines the technique that made him a formidable opponent, and assesses his legacy in a game that has transformed dramatically since his prime.
Quick Answer: Key Takeaways
Colin Lloyd, nicknamed “Jaws,” is a retired Scottish professional darts player who competed primarily in the PDC. He won two major PDC titles — the 2004 World Matchplay and the 2005 World Grand Prix — and reached world number one in the PDC Order of Merit in 2005. His distinctive low-trajectory throwing style and rapid release made him one of the most recognizable players of his era. After retiring from the main tour, he continued competing in World Seniors Darts events.
Early Life and Introduction to Darts
Born on 8 August 1973 in Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, Colin Lloyd grew up in a region with a strong pub darts culture. His father played league darts, and young Colin began throwing at a board mounted in the family garage. By his mid-teens he was competing in local youth tournaments, showing an early aptitude for scoring heavily and finishing under pressure.
Lloyd’s first taste of organized competition came through the Lanarkshire Super League, where he faced seasoned adults while still a teenager. The experience hardened his temperament — a trait that would later define his televised matches. He credits those early nights in smoke-filled club rooms for teaching him to block out distraction, a skill that translated directly to the bright lights of the PDC’s major stages.
Breakthrough on the BDO Circuit
Before joining the PDC, Lloyd made his mark in the British Darts Organisation (BDO) system. He won the Scottish Open in 1998 and reached the quarter-finals of the 1999 BDO World Championship at Lakeside, losing to eventual champion Raymond van Barneveld. That run announced him as a player capable of competing with the world’s best.
His BDO success included multiple Scottish national titles and a reputation for devastating finishing power. Observers noted his unusual grip — thumb and forefinger cradling the barrel with the remaining fingers tucked tight — which produced a flat, fast dart flight. While unconventional, the method generated remarkable consistency on the doubles that decide matches.
Transition to the PDC and Rise to Number One
Lloyd switched to the Professional Darts Corporation in 2000, joining a wave of talent that included Phil Taylor, Peter Manley, and John Part. The move placed him in a deeper, more competitive field, but his game was ready. He reached the 2002 World Matchplay final, falling to Taylor, then captured his first PDC major at the 2003 World Grand Prix — though that title came in a controversial final against John Part where a scoring dispute overshadowed the match.
The breakthrough that cemented his elite status arrived in 2004. Lloyd defeated Wayne Mardle 18-12 in the World Matchplay final at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, averaging over 100 across the tournament. The victory lifted him to second in the world rankings. Twelve months later, he added the 2005 World Grand Prix title, beating Mardle again in the final, and ascended to world number one in September 2005. He held the top spot for 13 weeks before Taylor reclaimed it.
Major Tournament Victories
The table below summarizes Colin Lloyd’s PDC major titles and other significant final appearances.
| Tournament | Year | Result | Opponent in Final |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Matchplay | 2002 | Runner-up | Phil Taylor |
| World Grand Prix | 2003 | Winner | John Part |
| World Matchplay | 2004 | Winner | Wayne Mardle |
| World Grand Prix | 2005 | Winner | Wayne Mardle |
| Premier League Darts | 2005 | Runner-up | Phil Taylor |
| US Open | 2007 | Winner | Raymond van Barneveld |
Beyond these televised finals, Lloyd accumulated numerous Pro Tour titles and represented Scotland in the World Cup of Darts alongside Gary Anderson and Robert Thornton, helping the team reach the semi-finals in 2010.
Playing Style and Technique
Lloyd’s throwing action remains a case study in individual biomechanics. He stood almost side-on to the oche, drawing the dart back to his right eye before releasing with a sharp, piston-like extension. The dart left his hand on a notably flat trajectory, often grouping tightly in the treble 20 bed with minimal wobble.
Two elements defined his approach: speed and rhythm. He threw quickly, rarely pausing between darts, which disrupted opponents’ timing and forced them to match his pace. His checkout percentage in major finals frequently exceeded 45%, a testament to composure under pressure. Analysts often compared his finishing to a sniper — clinical, emotionless, and ruthlessly efficient.
Equipment-wise, Lloyd favored 22-gram straight-barrel darts with standard flights and medium-length stems. He changed setups rarely, believing consistency in feel outweighed technological tinkering. That conservatism extended to his practice routine: solitary sessions focused on repetition rather than variety, reinforcing the muscle memory that held up in high-stakes moments.
Head-to-Head Rivalries
No discussion of Colin Lloyd’s career is complete without addressing his rivalry with Phil Taylor. Lloyd lost the majority of their encounters, but he pushed Taylor closer than most. Their 2002 World Matchplay final saw Lloyd lead 8-5 before Taylor’s relentless scoring turned the tide. In the 2005 Premier League final, Lloyd again led early, only for Taylor to produce a devastating finishing display.
Against Wayne Mardle, the dynamic flipped. Lloyd held a decisive psychological edge, winning both major finals they contested. Mardle later admitted Lloyd’s rapid tempo unsettled him. Matches with Raymond van Barneveld were evenly split, each player winning major finals against the other — Lloyd at the 2007 US Open, van Barneveld at the 1999 BDO World Championship.
These rivalries illustrate a broader truth: Lloyd thrived when he dictated tempo. Against players who matched or exceeded his speed (Taylor, van Barneveld at his peak), results were mixed. Against those who preferred a slower, deliberate rhythm, Lloyd’s hurry-up game proved devastating.
Later Career and Transition to Senior Events
Form and ranking points declined after 2008 as a new generation — Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, Adrian Lewis — raised the scoring ceiling. Lloyd’s average in televised events dipped below 90, and he struggled to qualify for major tournaments. He lost his tour card in 2015 after a first-round exit at Q School.
Rather than retire entirely, Lloyd embraced the emerging World Seniors Darts circuit. He won the 2022 World Seniors Darts Matchplay at age 48, defeating Richie Howson in the final. The victory demonstrated that his finishing touch remained sharp even as scoring power waned. He continues to compete in selected seniors events and works as a pundit for televised darts coverage, offering technical insight drawn from two decades at the sharp end.
Legacy and Impact on Scottish Darts
Colin Lloyd’s influence extends beyond his trophy cabinet. He proved that a player from Scotland’s central belt could reach the pinnacle of a sport historically dominated by English and Dutch throwers. His success inspired a generation of Scottish players, including Gary Anderson and Peter Wright, both of whom have cited Lloyd as a trailblazer.
Coaching clinics he runs in Lanarkshire emphasize fundamentals — stance, grip, release — over gimmicks. His message to young players: master a repeatable action, practice finishing until it becomes automatic, and never apologize for an unconventional style if it produces results. That philosophy mirrors his own career.
The PDC’s Scottish Open, revived in 2021, carries his fingerprints; he advocated for its return and serves as tournament ambassador. When the event’s inaugural modern final featured two Scots — Ryan Joyce and Alan Soutar — Lloyd called it “proof the pipeline works.” Few athletes get to see their influence bear fruit so directly.
Conclusion
Colin Lloyd’s career arcs from a garage board in Larkhall to the summit of professional darts, marked by two major PDC titles, a world number one ranking, and a playing style that defied convention yet delivered under the brightest lights. His rivalry with the game’s giants, his mentorship of the next Scottish wave, and his continued presence on the seniors circuit confirm a commitment that outlasts competitive prime. For anyone studying darts excellence, Lloyd’s lesson is clear: consistency beats flash, rhythm beats chaos, and a dart thrown your way — no matter how odd it looks to others — can win world titles. Watch the 2004 World Matchplay final on YouTube to see that lesson in action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colin Lloyd’s nickname and how did he get it?
Colin Lloyd’s nickname is “Jaws.” It originated from his habit of chewing gum vigorously during matches, a tic commentators likened to the mechanical shark in the film Jaws. The name stuck and became his walk-on identity throughout his PDC career.
How many major PDC titles did Colin Lloyd win?
Colin Lloyd won three major PDC titles: the 2003 World Grand Prix, the 2004 World Matchplay, and the 2005 World Grand Prix. He also won the 2007 US Open, which carried major status at the time.
When was Colin Lloyd ranked world number one?
Colin Lloyd reached world number one in the PDC Order of Merit in September 2005 after winning his second World Grand Prix title. He held the top ranking for 13 weeks before Phil Taylor reclaimed it.
What made Colin Lloyd’s throwing style unique?
Lloyd threw with a low, flat trajectory and an exceptionally quick release. He stood side-on, drew the dart to his right eye, and fired in a rapid piston motion. His unusual grip — thumb and forefinger only, other fingers tucked — produced tight groupings with minimal wobble.
Did Colin Lloyd ever win the PDC World Championship?
No. Colin Lloyd never won the PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace. His best run was a semi-final appearance in 2005, where he lost to Phil Taylor. He did reach the BDO World Championship quarter-finals in 1999 before switching codes.
Is Colin Lloyd still playing darts competitively?
Yes. After losing his PDC tour card in 2015, Lloyd joined the World Seniors Darts circuit. He won the 2022 World Seniors Darts Matchplay at age 48 and continues to compete in selected seniors events while also working as a television pundit.
Who were Colin Lloyd’s biggest rivals?
His most frequent high-stakes opponent was Phil Taylor, who dominated their head-to-head record. Lloyd held a psychological edge over Wayne Mardle, beating him in two major finals. Matches with Raymond van Barneveld were evenly split across BDO and PDC encounters.
What is Colin Lloyd doing now?
Colin Lloyd competes on the World Seniors Darts Tour, works as a darts pundit for broadcasters including Sky Sports, and runs coaching clinics in Scotland. He also serves as ambassador for the revived PDC Scottish Open.
