Simon Whitlock provided a masterclass in finishing as he defeated Dave Chisnall in the second round of the PartyPoker.Net European Championship, claiming a 10-5 victory against an opponent that he had never beaten before.
‘The Wizard’ hit 10 out of 13 attempts at his doubles to progress into the quarter-finals. 
“I had to work hard to beat Dave for the first time,” said Whitlock, who hit two finishes of of 100 en route to victory.
“The ten dart leg and the 121 checkout were pretty big for me. I’m throwing fantastic darts and enjoying myself.
“I’m very happy to still be in this competition and I believe I can go all the way.”
Whitlock took out 60 to hold his throw in the opening leg but Chisnall took the next three legs.
‘The Wizard’ hit double 18 to reduce his opponents lead to 3-2, before finding the same bed to seal his first break of throw.
The Australian ace then produced a clinical checkout of 118 to go 4-3 up and increased his lead by hitting double ten.
Whitlock hammered home back to back 180s on his way to winning the ninth leg in ten darts, before hitting tops to take a 7-3 lead.
Chisnall ended Whitlock’s run of six consecutive legs with a break of throw.
The Premier League finalist responded in some style though, hitting his third maximum followed by a classy 121 finish.
The world number seven hit double 19 to move within a leg of victory, but Chisnall reduced his advantage to 9-5 with a brilliant 167 checkout.
‘The Wizard’ saw out the match on double top to book his place in the last eight.
By Chris Murphy
Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC