Our Blog

Simon Whitlock and Raymond van Barneveld won through to the quarter-finals of the second European Tour event with victories on Sunday afternoon, while James Hubbard’s impressive run in Berlin was ended by Mervyn King.

Photo: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

Whitlock produced a stunning display to reach the last eight of the German Darts Championship, averaging 106.83 in a 6-2 defeat of Kevin Painter.

“I’m really pleased with how I played there,” said ‘The Wizard’, who conjured up five 180s in his victory over the 2011 Players Champion.

“Kevin is a great player and always gives me a hard match so I’m pleased with the win and looking forward to my next game tonight.”

Whitlock will take on Kim Huybrechts in the quarter-finals on Sunday evening.

‘Barney’ set up a mouthwatering quarter-final against old rival Phil Taylor, after the Dutchman beat Mark Webster 6-3.

“I was happy with how I scored and I’ll go and prepare to play Phil now,” said van Barneveld. “Everything has to be right when you play against him but I am excited.”

King saw off the challenge of his practice partner Hubbard, triumphing 6-4 in a match that included seven breaks of throw.

“I’m happy to get through but disappointed for James because we practice and travel together,” said ‘The King’, who faces Dave Chisnall in the last eight.

“He’s a player to watch in years to come. He has so much talent and you’ll see much more of him in the future.”

That result brought an end to a memorable weekend for 19-year-old Hubbard, with the World Youth Champion claiming a shock victory over World Champion Adrian Lewis in the first round.

Hubbard, who only turned professional in January, also defeated Peter Wright before losing out to King.

Co Stompe also missed out on place in the last eight, after a 6-4 defeat at the hands of Austrian Open winner Justin Pipe.

Sunday evening sees the remaining eight players compete in the quarter-finals of the £82,100 tournament, with the semis and final also being played out on the night.

By Chris Murphy

See four of the world’s top professional darts players go head to head in the Charlton Masters on Thursday 19 July.