SIMON WHITLOCK 6 – 6 Dave Chisnall
Simon Whitlock kept his Premier League survival hopes alive after earning a draw against Dave Chisnall in front of a record crowd in Leeds.
Whitlock capitalised on some below-par finishing from his opponent to take a point at the First Direct Arena, where over 11,000 fans turned out for the tournament’s first visit to West Yorkshire.
‘The Wizard’ moved on to three points ahead of next week’s trip to Dublin, where he faces a crucial clash with Wes Newton.
“I was happy with a point in the end but it wasn’t what I wanted,” admitted the Australian ace.
“Dave probably played better than me but I punished him for his mistakes, which is pleasing.
“It hasn’t been a great season for me but I’m improving and I’m still in there fighting. I’ll give it all I’ve got for the next couple of weeks and hope it’s good enough to survive.”
Whitlock’s woes had looked set to continue when Chisnall raced into a three-leg lead but the world number four pegged double top in consecutive legs to reduce deficit.
‘Chizzy’ won the next two but Whitlock pinned double four and took out 100 to move within touching distance again.
Chisnall broke to move within a leg of victory but ‘The Wizard’ battled back, taking the next two legs to earn a point after his opponent fluffed his lines in the decisive leg, busting his remaining score of 80 before Whitlock bedded tops.