COLCHESTER darts ace Colin Lloyd starts his quest to reclaim his professional tour card today – and insists he is not attending qualifying school to make up the numbers.

The former world number one – nicknamed Jaws – is bidding to return to the Professional Darts Circuit (PDC) at this year’s UK Qualifying School, in Wigan.

Lloyd, who won the World Matchplay in 2005, will battle it out to snare one of eight guaranteed Tour Cards up for grabs over the next four days of competition, at the Robin Park Tennis Centre.

And although the 44-year-old is not putting any unnecessary pressure on himself, he nevertheless is typically determined to give it his best shot.

Lloyd told the Daily Gazette: “I’m looking forward to it.

“I’ve got nothing to lose – if I go through great; if not, then I won’t cry over spilt milk.

“I’ve not been on the circuit or played matchplay darts for two years and there will be a lot of other people looking to get through and hungry to do well, just as I am.

“I’ve been spending some time with Bobby George and he’s been feeding me some positive vibes.

“There are obstacles in my way and I want to get past them.

“But I won’t be going to just go through the motions or be there to make up the numbers.

“I don’t want to go there as a bit part player; I’ll go there with the right attitude and see what happens.

“I’ll go there to enjoy myself and do my best – if that’s good enough, then I’ll go through.”

Lloyd’s involvement in the Wigan event will be his first-ever experience of competing at qualifying school.

He has not appeared on the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) circuit since late 2015, after losing his tour card.

“It’s going to be tough and there are around 350 to 400 entries, this year,” added Lloyd, who has been playing in the Brightlingsea Superleague of late.

“It’s a case of four days on the trot and you have to be mentally focused.

“I’ve been in this situation before where you have to stay focused and know how to play darts.

“It’s not just about a 100 metre sprint – you have to be prepared for the possibility of a long four days.

“I’ve got the battling qualities needed and if my game is good enough, I will go through and if it isn’t, I won’t.”