Darts star Simon Whitlock is on top of the world – after setting a new world record for hitting the bullseye from the longest distance.
Whitlock, who now lives in Waterlooville, beat the existing record of 5.05 metres at the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne in a special challenge held during a trip to his Australian homeland.
The ‘Wizard of Oz’ took just four minutes to take the old landmark away from former England cricket star Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff as he hit the bull from 5.1 metres.
The world number four went on to eclipse that distance twice more in an amazing display of accuracy to set a new record of 5.235 metres away from the bullseye.
Compatriot Paul Nicholson hit the bull from the same distance during the challenge to share the record.
“I’m very proud to have a world record to my name,” said 44-year-old Whitlock.
“There was a bit of pressure so it was nice to beat Freddie nice and early and I’m only too happy to share the record with a top darts player and friend in Paul Nicholson.
“It was all about keeping my technique as close to normal as possible and aiming very, very high. It’s a cool thing to have to your name and it is great to have done it here in Australia.”
Whitlock is in Australia to prepare for the Sydney Darts Masters which will be staged at the end of this month.
Article courtesy of Simon’s Whitlock’s sponsors LEYLAND PAINTS