Simon Whitlock left London’s Alexandra Palace with a smile on his face on Friday as he looked back on a fantastic 2012.
‘The Wizard’ exited the Ladbrokes World Championships at the quarter-final stage when he lost out to a rejuvenated Raymond van Barneveld, but refused to let the defeat take the shine off a successful year.
“I’m happy with my performance both here and over the last twelve months,” said the Australian, who claimed his first major title at the European Championship and reached the final of both the Premier League and World Cup.
“I’m proud of how I’ve played and I can honestly say I gave it my all.
“I threw everything at Raymond in the quarter but he was just brilliant. I couldn’t do much more so I’m walking away with a smile on my face.
“I have had a great year but I know that I’ve got a lot more to give. I’m practicing more and better than ever.
“I’ve won my first major this year and reached two other finals on TV. It’s been a really good time for me and I’m hungry for more.
“This has been the best World Championship that I’ve ever been involved in.
“I never gave up like I never do and I’m looking forward to an even better year in 2013.”
By Chris Murphy
Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC