Simon Whitlock claimed his first PDC major title, defeating Wez Newton 11-5 to be crowned as European Champion in Germany.
‘The Wizard’, who had been a losing finalist in three different tournaments previously, ended his wait for a televised triumph, as he clinched the £50,000 first prize at the Sporthalle in Mulheim. 
The Australian, who defeated Mark Walsh and Dave Chisnall to reach the quarter-finals, had to win three games on Sunday, beating Colin Lloyd, Kim Huybrechts and Newton to win the PartyPoker.net European Championship.
“I’m over the moon,” said an emotional Whitlock, who had clinched his first ProTour victory for almost two years just seven days earlier.
“I’ve been so close for a couple of years so I’m absolutely ecstatic to win.
“I got some great confidence from winning the floor event last week and I’ve managed to bring that to the stage. I’ve got tears in my eyes. I’m just so overwhelmed.”
Both players hit 180s in the opening leg, which Whitlock won, posting double eight to hold his throw.
Newton levelled before ‘The Wizard’ hit double seven to edge back in front, but Newton held again to restore parity.
A second maximum helped Whitlock take a 3-2 lead into the first break.
The Premier League runner-up hit double ten to take the next leg against the throw, before holding on double six to move three legs in front.
Newton pulled a leg back, before Whitlock’s third 180 helped him go 6-3 up.
‘The Warrior’ responded with an eleven dart leg to reduce the deficit to two at the second break.
‘The Wizard’ almost brought the house down, just missing the bull for a 170 before tidying up the remaining 25 to restore his three leg cushion.
He did produce a magical finish in the very next leg though, hitting a show-stopping 167 checkout for another break of throw.
The Australian ace then moved five legs clear, taking out 58 to make it 9-4, before Newton hit double top to pull one back.
Whitlock moved a leg away from the title, going bull, 12 double 16 to clean up 94 and moved into a 10-5 lead.
‘The Wizard’ wasted no time in sealing victory, hitting double eight for another break of throw, to take is maiden major success.
By Chris Murphy
Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC