SIMON WHITLOCK claims he feels better than ever after an immensely productive week in Dublin, which saw the Australian win his first title in over two years and reach his first major quarter-final in 2016.
The former European Champion, who won Saturday’s Players Championship event, was denied a place in the last four of the World Grand Prix by an incredible Michael van Gerwen performance on Thursday.
World number one van Gerwen averaged 103 in a 3-1 double-start triumph over Whitlock, who only missed one dart at a finishing double in the entire match.
While ‘The Wizard’, who had seen off Joe Cullen and Alan Norris in spectacular style in previous rounds, admitted that he was beaten by the better player, he also revealed the pride and confidence that he will take away from Ireland.
“It took the world’s best player at his best to stop me this week,” said two-time World Championship finalist Whitlock.
“I’m back to the Simon Whitlock of three or four years ago and I believe I will be even better than that now. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved this week and of how I’ve performed, especially under pressure.
“Everyone needs to watch out for me now. This form has been a long time coming but it is vindicating all the hard work I’ve been putting in behind the scenes for the last couple of years.”
TEN-DART FINISH: What. A. Leg. @SWhitlock180 gets quarter-finals place after Norris win: https://t.co/pPyGzypApc https://t.co/iK2dPuLc0H
— Sky Sports Darts 🎯 (@SkySportsDarts) October 5, 2016