SIMON WHITLOCK 4 – 0 Jarkko Komula
Simon Whitlock claimed a straight sets victory over Jarkko Komula on Sunday afternoon as he eased through to the last 16 of the World Championship at London’s Alexandra Palace.
The world number four, who is now the favourite to reach the final following the shock elimination of Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, continued his solid start to the tournament and is yet to drop a set.
Whitlock failed to find his best form in the first couple of sets but finished well before upping the ante in the second half of his second round win over Finland’s Komula, ending with an average north of 95.
“The only way was up after the slow start,” said Whitlock, who will face Kevin Painter on Friday evening for a place in the quarter-finals.
“Once I got in front, I played well and I think I controlled the match. Anyone from this side of the draw could get to the final so I hope to make my experience pay.
“Kevin and I have had some great battles so it should be a good match after Christmas and all of my focus will be on that.”
Whitlock won the first set by three legs to one before recovering from a 2-0 deficit in the second to double his lead, thanks to finishes of 92, 82 and 68.
‘The Wizard’ then rattled off three more legs on the spin to seal set three, before taking out 65 to win the first leg of the fourth set.
Komula held his throw to end a run of seven straight legs from Whitlock but the Australian’s fifth 180 helped him edge back ahead.
Komula levelled the set by taking out 100 and missed a dart to win it but Whitlock stepped forwarded, landed double five and moved into the third round.
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