Simon Whitlock missed out on a place in the semi-finals of the World Matchplay after suffering a narrow defeat at the hands of James Wade in a brilliant battle in Blackpool.
Wade edged the Australian ace 18-16 in a tie-break after a sensational display of darts from both players on Thursday evening.
The pair both averaged just shy of 100 in a marvellous match, which saw the lead change hands seven times.
The first two legs both went against the throw before Wade produced a fine 120 finish to hold.
Whitlock checked out 50 but Wade edged back ahead by pegging double ten, after missing double top to go out on 150.
‘The Wizard’ cleaned up 66 to level again before two 180’s helped Wade take a 4-3 lead.
But Whitlock took the next three legs, including a 92 finish on the bull to move 6-4 infront.
‘The Machine’ then put together a fantastic run of four legs in a row, hitting double top to win each of them, as he went 8-6 up.
Whitlock hit back by taking out 60 and then a wonderful finish of 130 on the bull to restore parity, before the Australian moved ahead with a 92 finish to break his opponent’s throw.
Wade broke back immediatley and edged 10-9 infront by cleaning up 60 but Whitlock took four straight legs, including a brilliant 124 finish, to move three legs clear.
The 2007 champion responded by taking out 51 to break and he moved within a leg of Whitlock by holding.
The former European Champion restored his two leg lead but Wade stayed in touch with a 56 finish after hitting a 174.
Both players started the 28th leg with maximums and Wade levelled up at 14 all with a stunning checkout of 135 on the bull.
‘The Machine’ then held his throw to edge ahead and Whitlock did the same to force a tie break situation.
Three legs went with the throw before ‘The Wizard’ was punished for two missed darts at doubles, as Wade cleaned up 58 to win an absolutley thrilling match.
Whitlock will now turn his attentions to the Sydney Darts Masters, which takes place next month.
“I am little bit dissapointed but pleased to have been part of a fantastic match,” said Whitlock, the Australian number one.
“James played brilliantly and showed hs class with the 135. That was probably what killed me. Fair play to him.
“I’m happy enough with my form. It has taken two epic performances to beat me in the last two tournaments and I’ll go to Australia with my head held high and hopefully win that.”
By Chris Murphy