SIMON WHITLOCK 11 – 7 Ronny Huybrechts
Simon Whiltock moved one win away from a successful defence of his European Championship title after defeating Ronny Huybrechts on Sunday evening.
Whitlock, who won his maiden major title at the tournament in 2012, booked his place in this year’s final with an 11-7 success over the Belgian.
The Australian ace raced into a 5-1 lead and his opponent never recovered, as the world number five moved closer to claiming the £50,000 first prize once again.
“I didn’t play as well as I did this afternoon,” admitted Whitlock, who had produced an amazing comeback in his quarter-final against Jamie Caven.
“I could have played a bit better but I’m happy with the result.
“I’ll be looking to improve in the final but I’ll be ready. I’ll just play the board and hopefully I will do the business again.”
Whitlock made a strong start, breaking the throw in the opening leg before doubling his advantage with a tidy 80 checkout.
Huybrechts got off the mark in a leg where Whitlock hit his first 180 and the Australian pinned double top to go 3-1 ahead.
He then grabbed another break of throw when he took out 87 to complete an eleven dart leg.
And he made it 5-1 by hitting double 19 but was denied another break when he missed four darts at double ten.
Whitlock took out 72 to restore his four leg cushion but Huybrechts responded with a 78 checkout.
‘The Wizard’ then pegged tops after a brilliant 177 set-up before his opponent held his throw.
The world number five narrowly missed the bull for a 170 finish but cleaned up the remaining 25 to move 8-4 ahead.
Huybrechts held again but Whitlock responded with back to back 180s before eventually bedding tops to move two legs away from victory.
His Belgian counterpart won the next two, including a brilliant 150 checkout to break Whitlock’s throw.
‘The Wizard’ conjured up a fifth 180 before sinking double 16 to break back immediately.
And he moved into the final for the second consecutive year when he pinned double top after a classy 174 set-up.
Whitlock will face the winner of Michael van Gerwen and Adrian Lewis later on Sunday evening.
By Chris Murphy
Bronze tickets are still available to see van Gerwen, Whitlock, Wade, van Barneveld, Priestley, Huybrechts and Winstanley at OVER THE TOP in Barnsley on September 27 – GET YOURS HERE