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SIMON WHITLOCK 8 –2 Gary Anderson

Simon Whitlock moved to second in the McCoy’s Premier League table with a convincing victory over Gary Anderson in Nottingham.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

‘The Wizard’ averaged over 100 as he completed a double over the reigning champion at the Capital FM Arena, to banish the demons of the whitewash he suffered in Cardiff.

“It was very important to bounce back after last week,” said Whitlock, who now has ten points. “I showed a lot of character and I’m happy with how I played.

“I felt really comfortable with my darts tonight as I was using new flights, which hadn’t arrived last week, and when I feel comfortable, I’m always confident of winning.

“You have to throw hundred averages these days; if you don’t you can end up in trouble. It’s going to be a really close finish but I’m in a good position now and I’ll be delighted if I finish in the top four.”

Whitlock hit double 16 to win the opening leg before Anderson levelled up with a 143 checkout. ‘The Wizard’ took out 65 to restore his lead, which he doubled straight after by grabbing the first break of the match.

The Australian opened up a three leg lead when he hit double four to win leg five, hitting his first 180 along the way. He hit his second maximum with his first three darts of the next leg, which he won against the throw taking a 5-1 lead into the break.

‘The Wizard’ made it 6-1 when he neatly took out 64 to hold, before Anderson pulled a leg back. Whitlock hit his third 180 with his first three darts of the ninth leg, which he won in style with a ten-darter.

The world number five opened with three perfect darts once again, before finishing the job with a tidy 74 checkout.

Whitlock faces Kevin Painter in Sheffield next Thursday.

By Chris Murphy