A FAMILIAR face will not be present on the PDC circuit in 2016, with former world number one Colin Lloyd stepping away from competitive events after dropping out of the world's top 64.
The popular Essex ace won over two dozen PDC ranking titles, including the 2004 World Grand Prix and 2005 World Matchplay, and topped the world rankings a decade ago.
Lloyd had joined the PDC circuit in 1999 and competed in the inaugural year of the Premier League back in 2005, ending that season as runner-up to Phil Taylor in one of a handful of major finals he has reached.
However, his last ranking victory came at a Players Championship in 2012 and after dropping down the Order of Merit he became the highest-profile player to lose his PDC Tour Card at the end of 2015.
"It's been a big decision for me and not one that I've taken lightly but I've decided not to enter Qualifying School or compete this year," said Lloyd, 42.
"The standard has continued to rise on the PDC circuit in recent years and despite giving it my all in every event I've played in, the reality is that I've not been good enough.
"Darts has been a massive part of my life for the last 17 years since I joined the PDC circuit and I'd like to thank everyone around the world who's helped make it so enjoyable, as well as to thank the sponsors, including Target Darts, who've supported me through thick and thin.
"I still love the game and I'm still keeping busy on the exhibition circuit - and who knows, I might even return to competing in the PDC in the future too."