Colin Lloyd hit a perfect nine-dart finish to secure a 6-3 win over Dennis Priestley in the final of the Irish Masters in Rosslare.

The world number one bounced back in style from an 8-1 defeat to Phil Taylor on the opening night of the 2006 Holsten Premier League with a brilliant display at the Crosbie Cedars.

He led Priestley 4-3 in the final of the Irish Masters when he hit seven perfect darts - seeing an attempted treble 15 miss before he recovered to move to within a leg of the match.

Lloyd then went two darts better in the next to hit the nine-dart leg - switching to treble 19 after seven treble 20s before landing double 12 to seal a remarkable win.

"It's unbelievable," said Lloyd. "What a way to win it - this feels fantastic.

"It's the first one I've ever hit in competition and I'm delighted - it's been a hard tournament and I'm very proud to win this.

"I've beaten some superb players and I'm so happy with how I played."

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Published Tuesday, February 21, 2006

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