Simon Whitlock claimed a fabulous victory against leader Michael van Gerwen in Birmingham on Thursday evening, but was denied a McCoy’s Premier League double by Phil Taylor.
The in-form Australian completed a hat-trick of consecutive victories in the tournament by defeating table-topping van Gerwen, winning from behind in a brilliant battle to cut short the youngster’s 24th birthday celebrations with a 7-5 success.
But defeat against world number one Taylor left Whitlock with work to do in order to reach the play-offs.
“It was probably a little bit unexpected by most people but I dug in and got the victory against Michael,” said Whitlock, last year’s runner-up
“I never give up and that’s what I’m made of and I’ll continue to take it one game at a time. I still believe I can make the top four but I might have to win all of my games.”
van Gerwen clinched a break of throw in the opening leg with a fine 106 finish before both players went off with 180s in leg two.
Whitlock missed two darts at double eighteen to level but secured the break back after van Gerwen missed the chance to double his lead.
‘Mighty Mike’ edged back in front by taking out 58 against the throw and moved into a 3-1 lead by pinning double ten.
Whitlock reduced the deficit with a neat 65 finish before kicking off the next leg with a maximum.
But it was in vain as van Gerwen picked off 81 to restore a two leg cushion.
‘The Wizard’ pegged double top to cut the youngster’s advantage to 4-3 before missing a dart at double 16 for a 149 finish.
van Gerwen punished his opponent by taking out 100, finishing on two double twenties and kicked off the following leg with a 180.
The Australian pierced the double four bed to stay in contention before grabbing a break of throw to draw level.
van Gerwen set up his finish with a brilliant 174 but Whitlock denied him the chance to break by hitting double top to end the birthday boy’s hopes of victory.
‘Mighty Mike’ then missed a dart at tops to seal a draw before the Australian ace again found double four to seal a potentially crucial triumph.
He then picked up against Taylor where he had left off against van Gerwen, pinning double top for an immediate break of throw.
Taylor broke straight back and held to go ahead despite Whitlock missing a dart at double ten for a 100 checkout.
‘The Wizard’ did take out a ton in the following leg to restore parity but Taylor took the next two legs to take control.
The Australian ace refused to surrender and posted double top for a timely break of throw.
A 180 from Whitlock couldn’t stop Taylor from breaking straight back after the world number five had rested three darts on the wrong side of the double four wire.
‘The Power’ took the next leg, meaning the best Whitlock could hope for was a draw – and he set about his task by bedding double eight.
But Taylor took the victory on double ten.
Whitlock faces James Wade in Liverpool next week.