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Wizard sinks Jaws to reach last four
Simon Whitlock remains on course to win his first PDC major title, after defeating Colin Lloyd 10-7 in the quarter-finals of the European Darts Championship in Germany.
‘The Wizard’ hit five maximums in a high quality tussle with the former world number one, and will now face Kim Huybrechts this evening. 
“It was a very tough game,” admitted Whitlock, who is bidding to reach his third televised final of 2012.
“Colin played very well and I’m expecting the same from Kim tonight but I’m feeling good for this. I’m playing well and I believe I can go all the way.”
Whitlock won the opening leg with a neat 64 checkout and he quickly doubled his lead, following up a 171 with another tidy finish, this time 94.
The Australian ace continued his sharp finishing as he checked out 121 for a third leg on the spin.
Lloyd got off the mark by hitting double top, before a 105 checkout reduced Whitlock’s lead to a solitary leg.
‘Jaws’ levelled up with a brilliant 164 checkout, which ‘The Wizard’ responded to by hitting his first 180, before cleaning up 52 to edge back in front.
Lloyd took the eighth leg before Whitlock made the perfect start to the ninth, hitting a second maximum on the way to taking a 5-4 lead.
The pair went into the second break all square though, after Lloyd posted double four to hold his throw once more.
‘The Wizard’ retook the lead by hitting a 114 checkout with his opponent waiting on 25 to break.
The Australian then just missed double top for a 148 finish, before eventually finding the double ten bed to grab a break of his own.
And he increased his advantage to 8-5 by hitting tops, before Lloyd held despite a third 180 from ‘The Wizard’.
‘Jaws’ hit double top to reduce Whitlock’s lead to 8-7 but another maximum helped the Premier League finalist break straight back, to move within a leg of victory.
‘The Wizard’ kicked off the 17th leg with his fifth 180, before posting double top again, to book his place in the last four.
By Chris Murphy
Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC
(Report from www.simonwhitlock.tv)
Euro stars Whitlock and Barney book quarter-final spots
Simon Whitlock produced a strong performance to defeat Dave Chisnall for the first time, while Raymond van Barneveld also reached the quarter-finals of the PartyPoker.net European Championship after triumphing in a terrific match against Michael van Gerwen in Germany. 
Whitlock overcame the challenge of Chisnall, taking a 10-5 victory thanks to some clinical finishing.
‘The Wizard’ hit ten out of 13 double attempts to set up a last eight clash against Colin Lloyd.
“I played really well again,” said Whitlock. “I have struggled against Dave in the past so I’m thrilled to get that monkey off of my back.
“I’m feeling good, throwing well and I’m really confident. I can’t wait to be back on that stage tomorrow.”
van Barneveld came out on top in a sensational battle with fellow Dutchman van Gerwen, taking a 10-9 victory in the match of the tournament so far.
Both players averaged over 100 and produced some fabulous two and three dart finishes, before ‘Barney’ prevailed in the deciding leg.
“It was a fantastic match,” said van Barneveld, who faces Kim Huybrechts in Sunday’s quarter-finals.
“Michael played awesome but there can only be one winner and I’m happy that it was me.
“The confidence is coming back and I’m looking forward to tomorrow. I’m very happy with the way I’m playing.”
The PartyPoker.net European Championship concludes on Sunday with the quarter-finals taking place in the afternoon, before the semi-finals and final are played in the evening.
By Chris Murphy
Image courtesy of Lawrence Lustig/PDC
