Lloyd faces 2006 BDO World Champion Jelle Klaasen in the first round

Chelmsford's Colin Lloyd believes Phil Taylor is still the man to beat at this year's World Darts Championships.

World number 10 Lloyd is in confident mood ahead of his opening round match with Dutchman Jelle Klaasen at Alexandra Palace on Monday.

But he told BBC Essex 13-time champion Taylor starts as the clear favourite.

"We're all there for the same reason and there could be upsets, but to beat Phil this year you've got to be seriously on-form."

Despite exiting last year's competition at the first-round stage, former world number one Lloyd feels he is well placed to go much further this time around.

"I've won a couple of UK regionals this year. I won a Player's Championship in Chicago and was runner-up in the US Open," he explained.

"So I'm happy with my form, it's certainly a lot better than 2007, which was the first time since 1999 that I never won a tournament."

"I'm nice and relaxed. I'm in quite a confident mood and I just want to get up there and start competing."

Taylor meanwhile, begins his quest for his 14th title against qualifier Steve Grubb in the first round on Saturday.

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