Simon Whitlock returns to the scene of his most famous darting triumph this weekend determined to mount a strong defence of his European Championship title.
World number five Whitlock claimed his first major title in Muelheim, Germany, last year when defeating Wes Newton in the final to claim the European crown.
‘The Wizard’ is aiming to repeat those heroics this weekend and make a glorious start to a demanding month of darts which concludes with the World Matchplay in Blackpool.
“Winning the European Championships last year was a very special and proud moment for me,” said Australian ace Whitlock.
“To come through such a high quality field and walk away with the trophy is something that will live with my forever and hopefully I can achieve it several more times in my career.
“It’s a good feeling to be going back to a major tournament as the defending champion and hopefully it can inspire me to another great tournament.
“The talent in darts at the moment is unbelievable but I will be doing everything I can to hold on to my title.”
Whitlock has been given a testing opening match in Germany after being paired with Belgium’s Kim Huybrechts in the first round.
That will represent a repeat of last year’s semi-final which Whitlock won 11-9 on route to landing the title.
“Kim’s a really dangerous player and I know I will have to be at my absolute best to get the right result,” added the 44-year-old.
“If I can come through with a victory against Kim, it’s the type of game which will set me up nicely for the rest of the tournament.”
Whitlock starts his defence on the opening night on Thursday, with the tournament running until Sunday. Full coverage will be shown live on ITV4.
Courtesy of Leyland Paints, proud sponsors of Simon Whitlock.