SIMON WHITLOCK 13 – 10 Kevin Painter
Simon Whitlock won through to the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay with a 13-10 success over Kevin Painter on Tuesday evening.
The Australian ace battled past Painter in a tight encounter to further extend his stay in Blackpool.
And the former European Champion announced his intention to go all the way after coming through two hard matches in the opening rounds.
“That was a massive win for me,” said Whitlock, who had defeated Jelle Klaasen in round one.
“Kevin is a fantastic player and someone that I have a huge amount of respect for so I knew it would be tough and I’m delighted to be through.
“It wasn’t a brilliant game but I did what I needed to at the right times, like I did in the first game and that was the difference.
“I knew I had to win that final leg because I wanted to avoid a tie-break so to take out 91 was massive.
“It doesn’t matter who I play. I know I am good enough to beat anyone and it’s up to me to prove it.”
Painter broke Whitlock’s throw immediatley but the Australian responded in kind, taking out 85 on the bull to level.
‘The Artist’ took the next two legs before Whitlock pegged double five and then double ten to square up once more.
Painter broke again to regain the lead but an audacious 96 finish from Whitlock, culminating in two double 19s, restored parity at four apiece.
‘The Wizard’ took the lead for the first time by pinning double ten but Painter won the next two to edge ahead.
Whitlock then took control though, as he embarked on a run of four straight legs to move 9-6 ahead.
Painter pulled one back before the world number five took out 74 to restore a two leg lead.
The next three legs went with thee throw as Whitlock moved within a leg of victory, but Painter kept himself in it with a fine 122 finish.
But ‘The Wizard’ sealed the win with a fantastic 91 finish with his opponent waiting on 40.
Whitlock will face either James Wade or Gary Anderson in the last eight.
By Chris Murphy