SIMON WHITLOCK 4 – 0 Kevin Painter
Simon Whitlock surged into the quarter-finals of the World Darts Championship with another straight sets victory at London’s Alexandra Palace, where he defeated Kevin Painter on Friday.
Whitlock, who has been installed as the favourite to reach the final from his half of the draw since Phil Taylor’s early exit, is yet to drop a single set in three commanding victories.
‘The Wizard’ fired in five 180s in his impressive triumph over Painter, as he moved another step closer to his dream of becoming World Champion.
“It was a good night for me,” said the world number four, who will face Ian White next.
“I just took it one leg at time and was over the moon with the result as Kevin is a very tough player.
“Ian has been great so far so I’m going have to keep this going to get past him. I’m hoping my experience will pay off and take me all the way.”
Whitlock hit four maximums in the first set, which he edged by taking out 80 in fifth leg.
The Australian doubled his advantage by winning the second set by three legs to one, adding a fifth 180, before winning set three 3-0 to close in on the last eight.
Painter halted a run of six straight legs from ‘The Wizard’ in the opening leg of what proved to be the final set, as Whitlock rattled off the next three to book his place in the quarter-finals.
The 2010 finalist will meet White on Saturday evening.
By Chris Murphy
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