SIMON WHITLOCK 7 – 4 Robert Thornton
Simon Whitlock claimed a crucial McCoy’s Premier League victory in Sheffield as he powered past Robert Thornton on Thursday evening.
The Australian star, who survived elimination from the tournament last week, moved off the foot of the table with the victory and immediately set his sights on a charge towards the play-offs.
“It was a huge win because it gives me a chance now,” admitted the reigning European Champion.
“I haven’t played too badly in the tournament so far so I was pleased to get a bit of luck tonight.
“Robert missed a few doubles and I hit mine when I needed to.
“I’m looking at putting a run together now and getting some revenge on the other players who beat me in the first half of the season.”
Thornton bedded double two to take the first leg but a 180 from ‘The Wizard’, followed by a neat 67 finish made it all square.
Whitlock grabbed break of throw despite Thornton’s first maximum but an eleven dart leg gave the Scotsman an immediate break back.
Whitlock fired in a 180 in the following leg but couldn’t prevent ‘The Thorn’ from edging ahead.
He pegged tops in each of the next two legs to take a 4-3 lead.
But Thornton missed five darts at double to edge further ahead and ‘The Wizard’ took full advantage.
The Australian surged to victory by winning four consecutive legs, lifting himself off the bottom of the table.
By Chris Murphy