SIMON WHITLOCK 13 – 8 Raymond van Barneveld
Simon Whitlock comfortably defeated Raymond van Barneveld on Tuesday to reach the quarter-finals of the Bet Victor World Matchplay in Blackpool.
‘The Wizard’ recovered from losing the first four legs by producing a solid display to progress.
The Australian, who eventually won 13-8, will take on James Wade in a repeat of last year’s last eight clash.
“I always felt like I would win that match even after the bad start,” said Whitlock, the world number four.
“I didn’t play brilliant but I could see that Raymond wasn’t at his best and I took advantage.
“I’ll have top up my game to beat James Wade but my form has been brilliant and I know that I’ve got a lot more in the locker.
Despite dropping the first four legs, Whitlock bounced back with checkouts of 128, two 120s and 111 to seal the victory.