Simon Whitlock booked his place in the quarter-finals of the Ladbrokes World Championship, after he produced another classy performance to see off a spirited challenge from Michael van Gerwen.

Whitlock hit an incredible twelve 180’s and provided a master class in finishing to cement his status as the star performer in the tournament.

The former runner-up has every chance of going one better then his previous best performance at the Ally Pally, and his pursuit of the title will continue tomorrow.

The Wizard hit his first 180 in the opening leg before hitting double four to grab an early break of throw. He found the same bed to double his lead and then took out 62 to break again and win the first set.

Whitlock hit his second maximum in the first leg of the second set but was unable to prevent van Gerwen breaking his throw. Another 180 followed for the Australian as he broke back immediately. He then hit double top at the first attempt to edge in front, before hammering home a fourth maximum on his way to another break of throw. The Wizard hit double eight to increase his advantage to two sets.

The world number five broke van Gerwen’s throw again in the first leg of set three, and he doubled his lead by hitting double eight. Whitlock hit 180 number five in the next leg, before brilliantly taking out 112 to win another leg against the throw and take the third set.

Whitlock continued to finish at will as he took out 76 to go in front in the fourth set. His opponent then held his throw for the first time in the match. The Dutchman went on to break the throw in the next leg before taking out 53 to get a set on the board.

Van Gerwen held his throw in the first leg of set five. Whitlock replied with another 180 followed by an 81 checkout to draw level.  He hit his ninth maximum in the next leg before hitting a fabulous 82 checkout for yet another break of throw. Mighty Mike managed to break back, hitting double twelve to stay in the match before holding his throw to pull a second set back.

The Wizard had his throw broken by the Dutchman, who then held to open up a two leg lead in the sixth set. Whitlock responded by taking his maximum count into double figures but van Gerwen broke his throw again to force a decider.

With van Gerwen throwing first in the final set, Whitlock showed his class under pressure by starting with another maximum before checking out 60 to wrestle back control of the match. The 2010 finalist then produced another leg of real quality, hitting another 180 followed by a marvellous 96 finish. The Wizard finished the job off with another clinical finish, taking out 52 to reach the last eight.

Whitlock will face the winner of tonight’s match between Gary Anderson and Colin Lloyd.

By Chris Murphy

Simon Whitlock refused to let his broken ankle derail his chances of winning the Ladbrokes World Championship with the performance of the tournament so far.

The Wizard may have limped onto the stage but hit the ground running at the Alexandra Palace with a three nil demolition of Dennis Smith.

The wounded Wizard put on a real magic show as he hit a 105 average to book his place in round two, dropping just one leg en route.

Whitlock began with a break, this time in darting terms, when he won the opening leg against the throw. He opened the second leg with back to back 180s on his way to doubling his early lead. Smiffy pulled a leg back with a twelve darter before Whitlock hit double top to wrap up the set.

The Wizard opened the second set with a fabulous eleven dart leg before breaking the throw to take control. He hit another maximum and almost took out a spectacular 164 finish on his way to winning the leg that claimed a second set.

Whitlock hit his fourth maximum before producing a stunning 125 checkout to break Smith’s throw in the first leg of set three. Another two maximums helped leave the Australian a leg away from victory as he hit a brilliant eleven darter. The Wizard hit three treble 19’s to set up a finish before hitting double top to break again, winning the set and the match in sensational style.

Whitlock’s performance, which included seven 180s and an incredible sixty percent checkout success rate, is sure to have put paid to any suggestion that he wasn’t ready for the tournament. He will face Steve Beaton on Wednesday 28^th December.

By Chris Murphy

Simon Whitlock believes that the injury that has kept him out of action could prove to be a blessing in disguise.

The Wizard suffered a setback when he broke his ankle in October, forcing him to withdraw from recent tournaments, but Whitlock is confident of making a winning return when he faces Dennis Smith tonight.

He said: “It’s been hard not to be involved in tournaments lately but I know I’ve been doing the right things. The break has allowed me to prepare for the World Championship and focus on that alone, so it may turn out to be a good thing.

“I’ve been practising more and more and managing a few hours a day in the last week and I’m throwing quite well. It has been a struggle physically, but I am ready mentally and that is so important. I aim to start with a solid performance and, of course, a win. If tonight goes to plan then I I’m sure I can hit top form after Christmas.”

An in-form Whitlock is a dangerous prospect for the rest of the title-chasing field. He proved that with a sensational run to the final of the Ladbrokes World Championship two years ago. The Australian is hoping for similar success this time around, and not just for himself.

He said: “I always want to do the best I can, but I have new sponsors (Leyland Paints and The Money Shop) and a lot of fans, who have been waiting for me to return. I want to do well for them too.”

The Premier League star rubbished suggestions that a change of footwear would affect his accuracy. He said: “Because of my injury I will be wearing more comfortable shoes but they are actually the same type I wore when I got to the final, so they might be a lucky charm.”

Whitlock will make his return to the Alexandra Palace stage tonight in the penultimate match of the first round.

By Chris Murphy

Leyland Paints will be throwing its name into the eyes of millions of sports fans across the UK, after unveiling a high profile darts sponsorship with two of the world’s best players.

Leyland has stepped up to the oche by agreeing to sponsor 2008 BDO world champion Mark Webster and 2010 PDC world championship runner-up Simon Whitlock for the whole of the 2012 season, as the pair bid to cement their statuses as household names in the sport.

With more than 200,000 sports fans inside the arenas along with a television audience of 12.5 million viewers in 2010 alone, the brand believes that the time has never been better to target the tungsten for a sustained period.

Marketing manager Sharon Hendry said: “The potential of our darts sponsorship is absolutely huge and we are thrilled to be involved with the sport.

“Aside from Premier League football, the darts world championship drew the biggest audience on Sky Sports last year, which underlines how powerful the sport is

“Simon and Mark are firm crowd favourites already and we are thrilled to be working with from now on.”

Before turning professional, Simon was a builder by trade, while Mark Webster is a professional plumber and still likes to keep busy working in between tournaments.

Simon, known as The Wizard, said: “I am delighted to receive the support from Leyland. I have come across their product from my time as a builder, so it is great to be working even closer with brand from now on

“I’ll be doing all I can to gain maximum exposure by winning as many tournaments as possible!”

Mark Webster, from Denbigh, Wales, said: “I have been in the Professional Darts Corporation for over two years now, and even in that time I have seen the sport grow so much.”

The current world number six added: “For me to be able to receive the backing of Leyland is the best news I could wish for. They are a huge paint brand and one I will be wearing on my shirt with pride.”

Former World Champion Mark Webster and multiple tournament winner Simon Whitlock have agreed new 4 year sponsorship contracts with the world’s leading darts company Winmau. The agreements will see the hugely successful partnerships continue until 2015.

Mark Webster said “I’ve enjoyed many great years working with Winmau, which has included a World …Championship and my best ever world ranking to date. With their passion for the sport and their constant desire to move forward, it’s no surprise why their products are the best in the world today”.

Simon Whitlock added “Winmau have done everything to help me play at my best. I’ve really enjoyed working with them and had a great time developing some new product ideas that are in the market and selling well. Their commitment in darts is second-to-none and they are great people to work with.”

Head of Marketing, Simon Hall, added “This is great news for Winmau, and it means so much for our products to be backed by two of the world’s best and most popular dart players. Mark and Simon have not only become friends of our company, but they have both contributed immensely to our manufacturing processes. For example, their feedback on products such as the Blade 4 was immeasurable. They share our passion for darts, and they are both an integral part of Winmau’s success in darts globally.”

Mark Webster and Simon Whitlock can both be seen competing in this year’s 2012 PDC World Championships during December and January.