SIMON WHITLOCK 10 – 6 Colin Lloyd
Simon Whitlock continued the defence of his European Championship title with an impressive second round success over Colin ‘Jaws’ Lloyd.
‘The Wizard’ hit six 180s in a convincing 10-6 victory against the former world number one to book his place in the last eight.
“I’m over the moon as I took the couple of chances I had there,” said Whitlock, who will face Jamie Caven in Sunday’s quarter-finals.
“I don’t want to let this title go. I’m like a dog with a bone.
“Colin played very well but I found the shots I needed when I need them and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
The first eight legs were shared before Whitlock grabbed the first break by bedding double twelve.
His third 180 helped him win a third straight leg, opening up a two leg cushion.
Lloyd pulled one back despite a fourth maximum from ‘The Wizard’, who then pinned tops to restore his advantage.
The following two legs went with the throw but Whitlock broke again in leg 15, hitting his fifth 180 along the way.
And another maximum, followed by a neat 66 finish sealed the Austrlian’s place in the quarter-finals.
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