All great records come to an end once, so did the unbeaten record of Phil Taylor. In 2005, he must renounce the throne on which he has been for five years. It is Canadian John Part who’s win brings his series to an end, as previously happened in the World Championship in 2003. Then it happened in the final, this time in the quarterfinals. The Canadian played an unbelievably good game and hits virtually every finish. The 16-11 score line was absolutely deserved.
However, it would not be John Part who wins the World Matchplay 2005, but Colin Lloyd. Part reaches the final, but in the final it's Lloyd, the number one in the world who is the strongest. Lloyd finished the final in style with a 170 finish. After 22 matches without defeat, Taylor had again lost in Blackpool and after five editions now there was another name on the trophy.
This year we incidentally also got acquainted with a young man who made his debut in the tournament. He came through the qualifying tournament and immediately beats Kevin Painter in the first round. He reaches the quarterfinals where he loses to the eventual winner, his name? Adrian Lewis.