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. Continue reading →

SIMON WHITLOCK 4 – 3 Dave Chisnall

Simon Whitlock came out on top in a thrilling encounter with Dave Chisnall to move into the quarter-finals of the Ladbrokes World Championship at Alexandra Palace.

‘The Wizard’ produced a sensational 152 checkout at 3-2 down in the deciding set, with Chisnall waiting for a shot at 90 for the match.

That show-stopping finish was one of five checkouts of over 100 from the Australian, who moved into the last eight for the third time in four visits to the Ally Pally. Continue reading →

SIMON WHITLOCK 4 – 0 Colin Osborne

Simon Whitlock produced another convincing performance as he defeated Colin Osborne in straight sets to reach the last 16 of the Ladbrokes World Championship on Saturday evening.

The reigning European Champion swept past ‘Ozzy’ with apparent ease, posting a 55% double succes rate and taking out finishes of 164 and 104 along the way.

‘The Wizard’, who averaged around 96 in his second round triumph, will meet Dave Chisnall in round three after Christmas. Continue reading →

SIMON WHITLOCK 3 – 0 Haruki Muramatsu

Simon Whitlock won through to the second round of the Ladbrokes World Championship with a comfortable straight sets victory over Haruki Muramatsu on Wednesday night.

The reigning European Champion kicked of his campaign for glory at the Alexandra Palace with an assured display against the Japanese number one.

Whitlock posted a 95.5 average in his first round win as he set up a last 32 clash with Colin Osborne. Continue reading →

SIMON WHITLOCK 10 – 8 Gary Anderson

Simon Whitlock took victory in a classic battle with Gary Anderson to move into the last four of the Players Championship Finals at Butlins, Minehead.

Whitlock, who recently won his first PDC major title at the European Championship, remains on course for his second televised triumph after seeing off Anderson in a thrilling encounter on Sunday afternoon.

The Australian made an explosive start to the match, leading 6-1, before his Scottish opponent launched an incredible fightback but ‘The Wizard’ held his nerve to complete a 10-8 success. Continue reading →