SIMON WHITLOCK secured a high ranking in the UK Open Order of Merit, sealing his place in the third round of next month’s televised UK Open Finals.
The Wizard also secured a seeded place at European Tour Events 3 and 4 in Gibraltar and Hamburg thanks to an upturn in his form with some solid performances.
The Australian ace has reached at least the quarter-final stage in four of the seven ranking events he has played in this year, including a run to the last eight of the Dutch Darts Masters, where viewers saw him wearing spectacles.
“I’ve been wearing glasses since the beginning of the year and vision has definitely been my issue,” said Whitlock, the former European Champion.
“I can see so clearly now and the specs are making a world of difference. My form is coming back after a difficult couple of years and I’m feeling very confident.
“I don’t feel like I’m under any pressure at all and I know that I’m going to be a big threat again this year.”
The UK Open Finals will be screened live on ITV Sport from 4-6 March.