COLCHESTER darts ace Colin Lloyd has admitted he has experienced a “rough period” in his career.

But the former world number one is now feeling rejuvenated and feels he still has plenty to accomplish in the sport.

Lloyd was knocked out of the Dutch Darts Masters at the second-round stage by Mervyn King last weekend.

But he says he was encouraged by his display at the competition at the NH Hotel Koningshof, despite his exit.

And “Jaws” says will go into his Players Championship double header in Wigan this weekend in good spirits.

Lloyd, inset, said: “I’d been a bit down on myself over the last few weeks.

“I felt like I hadn’t been firing and that it hadn’t been happening for me.

“I’ve been travelling a lot over the last few months – I know that it’s the same for everyone else but I’ve felt a bit down on my luck. Physically and mentally, it can be draining and I’ve had a rough period.

“You’re out there under the lights and there’s pressure and you have to take the knocks with the smooth.

“The darts haven’t felt right but now I feel fresh and it’s amazing how much positivity you can get from just one weekend.

“It sounds strange but I feel so much better after the Dutch Darts Masters.

“Sometimes when you lose and you know that you’ve played well, you can get more positive vibes from it than if you win.”

Lloyd, a former World Matchplay and World Grand Prix champion, has been a consistent performer on the PDC circuit since breaking onto the scene in 1999.

But his form has dipped over recent months and he has slipped to 24th in the Professional Darts Corporation’s Order of Merit.

“I’ve been doing this for 15 years and sometimes when you’re at a tournament you feel you don’t want to be there,” added Lloyd.

“Some of the young players might read this article and think what is he talking about?.

“But anyone could be the world champion in their own living room.

“Everyone has their moments of down time whatever they do but it’s my job and what a great job it is – I love playing darts.

“I still feel like I have things to accomplish in the game.

“The last few weeks have been a bit depressing for me and it hasn’t felt right, but now I feel pretty good, after last weekend.”

After this weekend’s Players Championship double header, Lloyd will on Monday attempt to qualify for the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton on November 9.