SIMON WHITLOCK 10 – 6 Kevin Painter
Simon Whitlock took victory in his first round clash with Kevin Painter at the Bet Victor World Matchplay on Saturday.
Whitlock won five of the last six legs to move into the last 16 with a strong opener at the Winter Gardens.
The Australian took out three ton-plus finishes, including a 154, to earn a hard-fought win in Blackpool.
“It didn’t feel like a 10-6 win as it was a much closer game than that,” admitted Whitlock, the former European Champion.
“I did well in the later part of the game and got the job done. Kevin missed a few doubles and I was able to punish him.
“The important thing is that I’m through and it’s another boost to my confidence. My form is great at the moment and I feel amazing. It will take a very good performance to beat me this week.”
‘The Wizard’ made a strong start, picking off finishes of 61 and 104 on the way to a 3-0 lead, but Painter took the next three to restore parity.
‘The Artist’ made it four legs on the spin when he cleaned up 92 to break the throw before Whitlock hit back in style, hammering home an enormous checkout of 154.
The next two legs also went against the throw to leave the pair tied at five legs apiece.
The Australian ace pegged double eight to edge ahead before pinning double ten to break after his opponent had missed two darts at doubles – giving the world number four a two leg lead.
He then punished Painter for further missed double attempts, bedding double ten again to move 8-5 ahead.
Painter pulled a leg back before Whitlock nailed double five to move within one of victory.
His fifth 180 moved him closer to a second round place and he sealed it with a clinical 111 finish, setting up a second round tie against either Raymond van Barneveld or Vincent van der Voort.
By Chris Murphy