Australia’s Simon Whitlock and Paul Nicholson saw off the New Zealand pairing of Phil Hazel and Craig Caldwell to seal their spot at the top of Group G at the World Cup of Darts in Hamburg.
The Australians, who were the runners-up in last year’s tournament, produced some clinical finishing en route to a comfortable 5-1 triumph on Saturday afternoon.
‘The Wizard’ and ‘The Asset’ will face Belgian brothers Kim and Ronny Huybrechts in the last 16 on Saturday evening as they continue their pursuit of glory.
“We are getting better with each game and that will continue tonight,” said Nicholson.
“I’m very proud to put this shirt on and I’m also proud of what Simon and I are doing.”
Whitlock added: “We are a great team and good mates. We support each other all the way and we hope to be sharing a few more victories this weekend.”
Nicholson took out 65 to get the ball rolling for Australia before a neat 67 checkout from Whitlock doubled their advantage.
New Zealand halved the deficit though when Caldwell pegged double 13 but Nicholson restored a two leg cushion by pinning tops.
Hazel also found the double top bed as New Zealand took the fifth leg before a fabulous 121 finish by ‘The Wizard’ moved Australia within a leg of victory.
And Nicholson completed the job with a brilliant combination finish of his own, taking out 106 to seal the win.
By Chris Murphy